5 Essential Benefits of Learning Foreign Languages Online

5 Essential Benefits of Learning Foreign Languages Online
Summary: Online courses are increasing in popularity and attendance among college students, and foreign language e-learning courses are one of the many classes students are enrolling in. While you may find this surprising, due to advances in technology and new learning techniques, education professionals are finding that e-learning provides a great way to ensure that you too can become multilingual.

Below are 5 essential benefits of learning a foreign language through online courses

  1. Multimedia
    Technology innovation has never made learning a foreign language easier—even in an online classroom. Today, multimedia features found in e-learning environments incorporate new ways to learn, including: videos, audio, interactive grammar correction tools, automation, chat boards, telephone, instant messaging, webcams, and much more. Teachers are finding that this technology is helping students learn and stay connected. Plus, multimedia can increase students’ retention rates and correct mistakes before they turn into bad and embarrassing habits.
  2. Repetition
    Few people pick up new foreign language lessons on the first attempt; thus, repetition will help students truly master another language. However, traditional class environments don’t necessarily offer you the chance to repeat lessons on the spot without disrupting the teacher and the lesson. On the contrary, online courses do. Not to mention, they also engage students throughout the learning process. Additionally, e-learning allows students to learn at their own pace, while providing a comfortable and safe environment, as well as a solid and comprehensive education.
  3. New Learning Methods
    Online courses offer an “out with the old, in with the new” approach to learning a foreign language. Mastering a new language is not as simple as learning a new vocabulary. In fact, most often it will require a prolonged period of study, patience, and time. The good news is that many online courses offer a variety of lesson plans and multimedia tools to address reading, writing, listening, and speaking a new language. In this environment, a teacher is still present to foster growth and understanding of the language being taught, but a number of other tools and resources will help students learn and grow.
  4. Accessibility
    Because they run on computer programs, you can access online foreign language courses at any time. This means that you can brush up on your Spanish during your lunch break, learn French before your morning jog, or practice German late at night without the constraints of a rigorous schedule. Online courses also offer on-the-go mobile solutions, enabling you to complete coursework from anywhere, as your individual schedule permits, without having to travel.
  5. Autonomy
    Online language courses will help you learn a new language on your own. However, this could cause problems for students that aren’t as autonomous. If you aren’t great at self-motivating, this could be an interesting way to challenge yourself and to grow. But the onus will be on you to plan, prepare, understand the technology, and be an active learner in a virtual classroom environment.

Are you interested in becoming bilingual? While this may be a huge fiat, e-learning makes it possible. Take to heart the benefits you’ll reap through online courses and take advantage of this opportunity.

Originally published on August 19, 2013