The advancement and advent of technology have affected many aspects of our lives, including the education sector, unlike a few decades ago, before the internet, people would attend physical classes to learn a language. However, nowadays, there are many options to learn a language.The numerous internet resources currently accessible have ushered in a new era of language learning. However, each system has its perks and drawbacks. This article discusses the pros and cons of online language programs.
Pros:
1. They are flexible
One of the advantages of online learning is the option of flexibility to fit into your schedule. You get to decide the time and the duration to attend the session. Moreover, you can access it from anywhere as it is not limited to location.
2. It offers the possibility of speaking with native tutors
It used to be difficult for language students to encounter native speakers unless they relocated, especially if the language was rare. Nowadays, anybody may form a linguistic pair, allowing you to practice any language you’re studying with a native speaker while staying at home.
3. It improves responsibilities
Studying online will require a lot of discipline, consistency, and motivation.Contrary to an academic course in online learning, it is rare that a student will have to do specific work within a short period. This means it is for the student to decide when and how far to study. This will undoubtedly improve their sense of responsibility.
4. It offers free access and cost-effective programs
Language learning is costly and hence not for everyone. However, many individuals may learn a new language for free owing to the internet tools offering language courses.
Cons:
1. It lacks motivation
If you lack self-motivation, then an online program may bechallenging for you.But, on the other hand, if you are not driven enough, the option to study whenever you want may also be of some adverse effects, so you probably won’t be studying every day, which is one of the primary aims of language study.
2. Limited capacity for critical cross-cultural skills
A crucial element of learning a language abroad is the management of cultural shock. It is vital to learn to navigate cultures other than your own, despite the intense emotions and tremendous frustration connected with the cultural shock. This experience can give rise to greater compassion, more excellent knowledge of the host culture, a better grasp of your cultural background, and the capacity to navigate cultures.
3. Fluency is best achieved when engaged in a foreign language
Language learners in their host nation will learn to lay down their dictionaries and instead rely on ambiguity to interact with locals. The convenience and frequent availability with which one may call up a digital dictionary to verify a word to pronounce in a phrase without actively incorporating it into their acquired vocabulary is a crucial disadvantage of online learning. While internet tools are a fantastic way to review a language, they should not be used as the primary method of language acquisition. While these skills are beneficial, they can also be roadblocks to learning a target language or thinking like a native speaker.As a result, learning a language via immersion and continuous conversation is the most effective approach to achieve fluency.