How to Succeed in Online Language Learning
Category: Online Learning | 2017-03-29
Raise your hand if you have ever wanted to learn a new language online. Of course you have, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this.
You have probably downloaded a grammar app or watched some YouTube videos but at the end you haven’t learned anything. Don’t worry, you are not alone in this. Lots of people struggle with this very problem.
I have some good news for you! Learning a language online doesn’t have to be a difficult task. There are easy ways to improve your language skills with just a little work and a little time.
Online language learning has become a popular choice and it is getting better all the time. I am going to show you how to make the most of an online language course and get the results you want.
There are 3 simple steps to online language success. If you follow them, you will be well on your way to learning a new language. Ready? Let’s have a look!
3 Steps to Online Language Learning Success
1.Put in some research
This is the most important step. As you know, there are dozens of online language courses on the market today. Some of them are good, some of them are bad, some of them are expensive and some of them cheap. Most have their merits but a couple of things are important when deciding which one is right for you.
First, you have to look at what they offer for content. Do they offer Business English? Is that what you want? Maybe you just want to be able to travel more comfortably. Whatever the case, make sure that the course covers the material that you want to learn.
The second point to look at is the method they use to teach. A lot of online language courses are not much more than a series of games that will teach you the absolute basics. This may include vocabulary for around the house, family members, numbers and dates, as well as some greetings and common phrases. This is great if that is all you want. If you want to really understand a language, you will have to find a course that uses a more varied approach. Find one that also uses texts, audio and grammar testing to cover as many aspects of the language as possible. Most important of all, it has to be fun!
| The final thing to consider when searching for the right language course is time. How much time does it take to complete the course. Many of these programs can be finished in a matter of 3-4 hours. If you find a course that can teach you a language in that time, please let me know! You should look for a course that offers you a short lesson daily. In only 10-15 minutes per day, you can improve your language skills dramatically. The key is putting in that time every day. If you do, you will start to see results almost immediately! |  It’s a matter of time! |
2.Put in a bit of money
As I mentioned, some of these courses are cheap and some are not. Check your smart phone right now, you can probably find 20 or more free online language learning apps. The problem is these are only good up to about the A2 level. That is fine if you only want to buy a coffee or get a bus ticket, but nothing more.
If you are looking to really interact in the language and come out with a solid understanding of the fundamentals, you have to put in a little money. Now that is key, a little money. There are also some excellent courses out there that cost a fortune but this isn’t necessary. You can find great online language courses for as little as 10 or 15 dollars a month. That seems like a fair price to me for a quality language course!
3.Put in the time
Earlier, I mentioned that it is key to put in the time. Spend 10-15 minutes each day going through the course. The most effective way to learn any new language is to spend time every day working on it. Don’t spend 3 hours one day, then leave it alone for a week. You will forget most of what you learned in the last lesson. This will leave you with a sense that it isn’t working and any motivation you had will be lost.
Pick a time each day to spend on your course. Do it every day and watch your skill and confidence rise accordingly. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and you won’t be speaking like a native speaker at the end of the week. But, with a good routine and a bit of work ethic, you are sure to improve your language skills.
Get started with your online language learning
Now, you are ready to get started with an online language course! Go out there and find the one that is right for you, spend a bit of money and be persistent. If you do these 3 things you are sure to maximise your online language learning efforts.
Have you tried any online language courses? How successful were they? Let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget to join our monthly newsletter for more tips, articles and exclusive deals on in-company and online language programs.
If you want to find out more about a great online language course, check out our website. We offer online Business English and French language courses at affordable rates.
About the Author
Keith MacPherson
As the owner and founder of The MacPherson Language Institute, Keith is engaged in all aspects of language learning. A teacher, blogger, translator and consultant, he offers expert training and guidance for private students and businesses competing in the global market. Leave a comment, join the mailing list or follow him on Twitter @MLISolutions.