Online Langage Classes Vs. In-Person Classes: Finding a Balanced Approach for Language Learning
Are online language classes a viable alternative to in-person classes?
As a language trainer, I experience virtual classes as a valuable backup option but one that only partially replaces the advantages of well-prepared in-person courses.
The choice between online and in-person classes depends on your specific learning objectives and the subject matter.
Rather than viewing them as competing entities, we should leverage the benefits of both approaches. By embracing technology while prioritizing human interaction, we can create holistic and practical learning environments that prepare students for real-life communication.
Virtual classes: Join where you want, when you want, with who you want
An undeniable advantage of online classes is the convenience they offer. Students can join classes from anywhere, allowing greater flexibility and access to global educational opportunities.
Furthermore, virtual classes often come at a lower cost, benefiting both students and teachers. Institutions can digitize entire degrees, making education more accessible without extensive infrastructure.
However, it’s crucial to consider that what incentivizes an institution or teacher to give virtual courses may not always align with the best interests of their students.
The human element in language learning
While certain subjects like IT may thrive in a virtual environment, language acquisition requires real human interactions.
Language is a communicative tool; therefore, communication is essential to language learning. Improving verbal communication skills requires practice with real people.
No amount of self-study can adequately replace the human factor in language acquisition.
One of the most significant disadvantages of virtual classrooms is the partial loss of the human element and, with this, non-verbal cues.
Non-verbal cues & Self-consciousness
Non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and intonations, play a vital role in communication, making immersive language learning more difficult in virtual settings.
Cultural fluency is also essential in language learning. While we can study a culture digitally, the best way to assimilate cultural linguistic habits is through real-time, face-to-face interactions inside and outside the classroom.
Self-consciousness
Self-consciousness is a significant barrier to language acquisition, and in-person interactions are ideal for helping language learners overcome this obstacle.
Virtual classrooms can help with this, but the need for a natural setting and non-verbal cues make online classes a suboptimal environment for preparing students for real-time communication.
Multitasking & Distractions
Virtual classes also pose challenges with multitasking and distractions, affecting attention span and overall learning outcomes.
Humans aren’t capable of true multitasking, which can impact learning efficiency when multiple windows, videos, texts, and audios are present concurrently.
The human brain has evolved to work on one task at a time. As humans, we have a hard time multitasking because we switch between one task and another rather than focusing on both tasks at the same time. While these changes are minute and may not be perceived, they’re a reality.
… It’s also the reason why we shouldn’t text and drive.
But they say that certain people are better at multitasking than others… This is a myth!
Shortcomings of in-person classes
Despite these limitations, virtual classes have shed light on the shortcomings of traditional in-person courses.
They’ve highlighted the need for more engaging and interactive teaching methods and methods that help retain student attention and motivation.
We can foster a more dynamic and effective in-person learning environment by incorporating digital tools and gamification techniques into in-person classes.
Balance
The ideal solution lies in finding a balanced approach.
While virtual classes can provide convenience and global access, in-person courses foster natural communication, break down barriers of self-consciousness, and enable a more immersive language learning experience.
Integrating the advantages of virtual classes into in-person classrooms while embracing the human element can lead to a more effective and comprehensive learning experience.
The author:
My Linguistics specializes in creating language acquisition methods for teachers and students. Our Swiss-based language training center serves as a testing ground for our method.
We’re passionate about helping people unlock the power of language and communication, and we’re committed to providing the resources and support needed to achieve fluency.
Contact us to learn more about our approach and language method.
My Linguistics method: https://mylinguistics.com/method
My Linguistics school: https://mylinguistics.com/
The article
Language learning is surrounded by a sea of myths or “universal truths”. Often originating from misinterpreted facts, these myths become well-established popular facts.
Setting realistic expectations and navigating popular misconceptions is central to establishing firm foundations for learning new languages.
This series addresses these myths, their origins, and whether there is any truth to them, in the hopes of encouraging people to learn a second or third language.
