It’s official: online learning is the future of education. Nowadays, we are living in a world that is experiencing lots of changes, and education is no exception. Online learning is becoming increasingly more popular as new technologies and online platforms emerge (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, etc). If you were thinking about what’s the easiest way to learn a new language, learning online can be an incredibly simple way to get fluent. In our professional experience, it is the easiest way for the majority of people.
It’s super convenient and low cost, incredibly flexible, and just as effective as an in-person class. Let’s dig into the details as to why it’s likely to be the best option for your language learning goals.
There are so many ways to get fluent
We all know how complicated it might seem to learn a new language. Learning isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules – in fact, you shouldn’t do only that – but it’s also about listening for hundreds of hours to a native speaker and then having a lot of conversations. But how do you do that if you don’t live near someone who speaks Spanish?
Nowadays, there are plenty of ways to get exposure to a new language.
- Online native-speaking tutors are everywhere. Options include verbling, preply, italki, trufluency, and more. These classes can be completely customized, and you get listening and conversation practice.
- Apps are right at our fingertips. Duolingo can help you learn some new vocabulary, even if there isn’t someone to talk to. Babble is another fun app that we like.
- Podcasts are a great way to hear people talking to each other. A lot of times students forget to listen to actual conversations, and this is most important. Conversational fluency is the goal! So make sure you’re listening to conversational podcasts like Coffee Break Languages or StoryLearning.
- Videos on YouTube (or anywhere): find 2 friends or a couple that have a recurring program on YouTube. You want to have FUN while you watch. And typically you can put the closed captions on the screen to help you out if you get lost. Actors on TV shows typically speak more quickly, so finding a real video is a great way to start improving your listening skills.
Learn at your own pace
One of the most significant advantages of online language learning is its flexibility. Flexibility allows you to change your class schedule each week, skip weeks, and learn from your couch.
After you find the right teacher for you, work out a schedule based on your availability. If you’re stressed about class, then you won’t enjoy the learning, so make sure to choose a convenient time to meet online. We have found that most clients take 2 hours a week. Even if they start by saying they want 4 or more hours a week, they almost always become stressed about so many classes and reduce the number of hours. Of course, there are some clients (like myself) who have very big goals and must do many hours a week – just know yourself and do not choose a schedule that will be stressful. This will cause you to quit prematurely, get burned out, or have negative feelings about the new language.
If you’re not ready to commit to a teacher and a schedule, you can use digital alternatives like audio courses (Pimsleur), videos, or listen to the podcasts above when you can.
It costs less than the price of a good meal
Why not save a few bucks on your next language learning adventure? You can get the same education as in-person lessons for a fraction of the cost.
When it comes to learning a new language, locals or native speakers are usually the best option – something that online language schools can easily provide. So even if you live in Alaska, you can talk to a native Spanish speaker living and working in Mexico! Learn about the local culture and get a native-like accent without leaving the comfort of your home.
And not only will you be able to learn from a professional Spanish teacher, but you will also avoid travel costs and/or time spent in rush hour traffic. All you need is a computer with great internet (very critical), a comfortable place to have a conversation, and time to dedicate to lessons.
So, is it easiest to learn a new language online?
If you want the flexibility to study at your own pace and on your own time, choosing the schedule you want each week, then this is the best option for you. If you want to be able to easily connect with native speakers, even choosing different people each week, then online is the only way you can easily do this. If you’d like to save the travel time costs, whether you pay the teacher to travel or you sit in traffic, then online language learning with a live teacher is definitely the way to save that time and money.
No matter which route you choose, make sure the program or course you select is focused on your specific goals so that your time is well spent on your needs. With so many different ways to learn a language available now, you can surely find something convenient, flexible, and cost-effective online.
If interested in checking out a professional, native-speaking tutor for Spanish, English, French, or another language, schedule a $35 trial class.
