7 Proven Benefits of Online Language Learning

In this age of technological boom, even education is within reach. Convenient and accessible: here are 7 benefits of studying foreign language online.

Studying a new language has tons of undeniable benefits. It can help boost your brain capabilities and give more opportunities to meet new friends and like-minded professionals. 

Due to the advancements in communication and technology, a lot of educators and students are starting to see the benefits of online learning in linguistics. With the world being more connected than before, learning a new language or two can get you into places. 

According to BBC, 60 to 75% of the world population are bilingual or can speak at least two languages. Besides neurological and productivity benefits, bilinguals and multilingual can receive better career options and better recruitment chances. 

Employers often see bilinguals as a valuable asset for communication with potential foreign clients.  If you’re one of the 25 to 40% monolinguals (only speaks one language), then you might be missing out. 

Have you been curious about online language classes? Online schools that specialize in teaching languages like JustLearn offer numerous benefits for learners worldwide—not convinced yet? Read on to find out more about the benefits of studying a foreign language online. 

How Does Online Learning Work? 

Online learning platforms like JustLearn use apps, texts, videos, and calls to facilitate learning and interactions.  Students will log in using their accounts to partake in activities, lectures, and exams. Classroom setup might vary from one school to another, but video conferencing is usually the to-go teaching method.

In a virtual classroom, both students and the instructor facilitate learning by using internet-connected devices such as phones or computers. Like in traditional schools, online students receive activities that measure their understanding of the lesson after each lecture. Students still need to get passing scores on exams and other activities to finish each course and receive certificates (or different merit).

In the past, virtual classrooms functioned mainly as an alternative to traditional classes. Students back then are likely busy professionals that want to improve their work credentials by learning new skills. But due to the medical crisis happening in the world right now, most schools are starting to see the benefits of online learning. 

There’s a big discussion among students and teachers about the efficiency of teaching foreign languages online. Are online classes more effective than their traditional counterpart? Or is it easier to learn new languages in a personal face-to-face interaction? Let’s find out. 

Online VS Traditional Classrooms - Are Digital Classrooms Effective?

There’s a lot of different approaches when it comes to learning new languages. Most people learn faster by integrating themselves into the environment (e.g., going to a foreign country and living there). 

Of all methods, there are two top-rated options among language learners. You either attend a traditional classroom or study in a digital setting. Is there a method that works better than the other? 

Both traditional and online classes have their pros and cons. In reality, there are situations where traditional learning is better than eLearning and vice versa. Hands-on students would likely prefer learning in a physical classroom due to interactions and experiences with other people. 

Meanwhile, a student who has outside commitments (e.g., work, club activities, etc.) will prefer online classroom settings for convenience. You can freely engage in a learning environment that works best for your learning style. It all boils down to whatever floats your boat. 

Students who prefer a bit of both world opt for blended learning options. By using blended learning, students and instructors can still interact in real-life settings. However, these interactions are not that frequent compared to traditional classrooms. Instead, online materials are used for activities to enhance the learning experience of the class.

When both blended and traditional options are not available in your area, online classrooms can still be a viable option. You can access your lessons anytime and anywhere, as long as you have an internet-connected device. 

Flexibility is just one of the benefits of virtual classrooms and digital learning. If you’re interested to know more, here are the other seven benefits of online learning that might appeal to you.

7 Benefits Of Learning A New Language Online

1. Flexible Schedule 

Online learning platforms take into account that most of their students are busy individuals. Students who work during the day and study during the night is a common situation for virtual classrooms. That’s why most online schools include self-paced courses with access to professional instructors for support. 

Most online schools use videos (with audio and text alternatives) for their lectures and explanations. If you have a bit of free time (during a public commute, waiting for your food to cook, etc.), you can use it productively by chipping on your lessons. And yes, you don’t have to excuse yourself if you can’t attend a class because you can start one when you feel like it. 

According to a study done by the University of Tennessee, students who take flexible schedules to participate in the study have an overall significant increase in learning. If you need flexibility in your schedule, online learning is the right choice for you. 

2. Cost-Effective Learning

Let’s admit it: students would rather avoid formal education if it also means avoiding student debt. The cost of education had skyrocketed in the past decades. Tuition is worth a material amount of money. Don’t forget the housing, food allowance, books, and travel costs. 

No one wants to touch any student debt because the failure of payment has lifelong repercussions. What is the best way to learn in a more affordable yet merit-able way? Fortunately, being cost-effective is just one of the benefits of online learning. If you have internet connectivity and a reliable device, you can take any lessons that you need. 

According to Champlain College, online education will likely be less expensive and overall flexible for students. Besides, online classes often allow transfer credit from previous academic experiences such as on-the-job training and extras. Books are often supplemental in online learning, as more schools offer online libraries for additional resources. 

3. Finish School In Less Time

Traditional schools often operate via a calendar system. A single semester can last up to six months, which can be quite long for many people. Even if you’re a fast learner, you still need to follow the semester system and attend classes regularly. 

This setup might not be ideal for people who like to finish their studies as soon as possible. 

Because of its flexibility, online learning is also an appealing option for fast learners out there. You can take your time and learn the lessons thoroughly, or set your pace to finish the fundamentals as soon as possible. When it comes to language learning, online learning might be a better option if you want to learn conversational sentences in a short time. 

If you only want to learn about a specific topic, online learning platforms like JustLearn offer options for that. You can book lessons, choose your teacher, and start the class at your specified time. This way, you can also get personalized lessons to focus on your learning needs. 

4. Regular Practice Is Guaranteed

In a traditional classroom setting, you might not have the chance to practice what you learn. A classroom teacher cannot accommodate each student. For example, if you want to practice conversational English, you might have to look for an aide outside for additional resources. 

Practicing with your classmates is an option, but what if they, too, have difficulties in learning the language? 

In an online classroom, you can choose the option to be the only student in a session. Regular practice is not a problem, as your instructor focuses on your progress as a language learner. You don’t have to wait for your chance to ask questions or clarify lessons that you cannot understand. 

Online schools get on their way to verify tutors and instructors. Teaching experiences are often considered an essential part of the qualification. So if you want to get personalized lessons from a native speaker, you will likely get the end of the bargain and at a great price. 

5. Comfortable And Convenient 

Have you ever hated waking up early, walking long distances, and using public commute just to attend your lessons? In an online classroom, this is not a problem. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, you can take your classes in your room or office (even in your pajamas). 

According to a paper published in the University of Delaware, a comfortable learning space helps absorb new concepts and ideas. A student can get additional confidence when he or she is in a familiar and non-distressing setting. Students are motivated to do more when they are not stressed while learning. 

6. You Can Study Less-Taught Languages 

What if you want to study a language as a hobby, but you can’t find a traditional school that teaches that language? In another scenario, what if you’re not interested in learning the foreign languages that your brick-and-mortar school offer? Can online learning supply this demand gap? 

More often than not, online schools offer languages that are not often taught in traditional schools.  Business languages like English and Mandarin can be easy to find, but not all language learners do it for business affairs. Say, for example, you want to learn Thai or Macedonian because you’re relocating to a new country that speaks either language. You can find better options starting online than in brick-and-mortar schools. 

7. Not Restricted By Locations

Another benefit of learning online is the fact that it is not restricted physically. Even if you’re on vacation or traveling for work, you can access your classes easily. And you don’t have to worry about being late again thanks to the flexibility of online schedules. 

Yes, you don’t have to walk on wet corridors during the rainy days or tolerate hot classrooms during the summer. 

Students can also enjoy a more relaxing and engaging environment. Room noise and other traditional classroom distractions are almost non-existent in virtual classrooms. That is, as long as you don’t have other things that affect your focus or internet connectivity. If you’re planning to take an online class, make sure you have a good internet connection at all times. 

Final Thoughts

These are the seven significant benefits of online learning. If you want a convenient and cheaper learning experience, then online education is best suited for you. 

Check out some of the best language courses at JustLearn to know more about their language programs. Read other blogs if you want to pick up JustLearn resources that can help you study the language of your choice.  Happy learning and good luck!