7 Benefits of Online English Learning

Why learning English online is the future of language education

Learning English online is the future

[Last updated on 31/03/2023]

In today’s fast-paced world, learning English has become a necessity for many people. Whether it’s for personal or professional reasons, being able to speak and write in English can open up new opportunities and allow you to communicate with people from all over the world. While traditional classroom learning has been the norm for decades, the rise of online English learning has made it easier and more convenient than ever to learn English.

Online learning has revolutionised the way people learn, and this is especially true for learning English. With over 1.5 billion people worldwide learning English as a second language, the market is expansive and new learning methods are evolving quickly. The vast array of online resources means there is no shortage of options for anyone looking to learn English. This includes video lessons with an English teacher, interactive exercises, language exchange programmes, and virtual tutors. The flexibility and convenience of online learning mean that you can study from anywhere, at any time, and at your own pace.

What is online English learning?

Online English learning refers to the process of acquiring a new language using digital tools and resources. This can take place with or without the guidance of a remote language teacher.

The traditional way of learning a new language usually includes being taught in a classroom environment with a language teacher present. In contrast, online English learning involves accessing online courses, interactive tools, or language exchange programmes. These options provide learners with the opportunity to study at their own pace and on their own schedule.

Online language learning platforms typically include (live) video lessons, audio recordings, interactive exercises, and virtual tutors, enabling learners to practise their language skills and improve their fluency in a virtual environment. With so many options, online learning has become an increasingly popular way for people to learn new languages.

Types of online English learning

There are several different methods to learn English online and new ideas come up all the time. Here are a few of the most common ways to learn a foreign language online:

Live video classes with a teacher

These are virtual classes that you attend in real-time with a live language teacher and sometimes also with other students. These courses can take place on mainstream platforms such as Zoom or MS teams, or other education platforms. You can interact with the instructor and other students and receive feedback on your language skills. The most effective way of live video classes is learning with a private tutor because the lessons can be specifically tailored to your needs.

Self-paced courses without a teacher

These are online courses that you can complete at your own pace. They usually consist of lessons and a variety of exercises that you can do whenever you have time. You may be placed in an environment where you need to use the language to communicate with virtual characters, and you may have access to a student community. These typically do not include an English teacher and can often be installed as an app on your phone.

Language exchange platforms

These are platforms where you can find language partners who speak the language you want to learn, and they are interested in learning your native language. You can chat or video call with your language partner and practise your conversation skills. It is worth keeping in mind that these language exchange platforms do not offer qualified English trainers. Whilst these can be useful to practise your language skills, your partner will not be able to give the same feedback as a qualified trainer.

Gamified language learning

These are online platforms that use games and quizzes to make online English learning more fun and engaging. You can learn new vocabulary and grammar rules while playing games and competing with other users. This format is often combined within language learning apps for self-paced courses.

Naturally, we have our own our preferences for learning something new. Some may prefer to study alone, and others benefit from studying in a group. Therefore, it can be good advice to try out a few different methods. Then, you will see which one you feel most comfortable with and where you make most progress in learning the language.

A combination of learning English with a teacher and self-study can also be an advantage as learning will not get boring and (hopefully) keep you motivated for longer!

Online English Learning

What are the advantages of online English learning?

Now let’s have a look at the 7 top advantages of learning English online.

1. Convenience

Online English language courses can be taken from anywhere, at any time, as long as the student has an internet connection. This makes it easy for students to fit language study into their busy schedules. Students can take classes from the comfort of their own home, and don’t have to travel to a physical classroom.

2. Flexibility

Online courses often offer a wide range of class times, so students can choose a schedule that works for them. Even with a busy life, there is no excuse not to make time to study English.

3. Affordability

Online language classes are often less expensive than traditional face-to-face classes, as they typically require fewer resources and overhead. There are for example no transportation or housing costs associated with them.

4. Variety

There are many online English language courses and programmes available, such as English conversation, Business English and more. With online English learning, students can find a programme that fits their learning style and needs, and are not limited to what is available nearby.

Learning English online with laptop
5. Access to English teachers

Some online language classes include an English teacher, who can provide opportunities for students to practise speaking and listening. As a good match between a teacher and a student is crucial for the learning progress, online lessons also offer more variety of teachers and therefore a higher probability of a good match and faster improvement.

6. Recording of lessons

Online language lessons can be recorded (provided everyone consents), which means you can review the lesson later to reinforce your learning. This is especially helpful for visual and auditory learners who benefit from repetition and review.

7. Interactive learning

Many online classes make use of interactive features like video conferencing, instant messaging, and discussion boards. This allows for engagement and collaboration among students and interaction with the English trainer.

What are the benefits of learning English online with a private teacher?

Learning online with a professional private English teacher has a lot of benefits over learning online without a teacher, e.g. with one of the many apps that are on the market.

Personalisation

First and foremost, you receive personalised attention and a learning schedule that is tailored to your own needs and learning style. Private English lessons with a teacher are not pre-designed to fit everybody’s needs or to follow a fixed schedule. Rather, they can be adapted by the teacher to identify and target areas of your own language skills that need improvement. Your professional trainer can identify your learning style and give you tasks so you can achieve your goals in the most effective way.

Feedback

In addition, professional English teachers are trained in how to offer constructive feedback. This includes the personalised error correction and additional practice tasks that you need to improve your English. Positive and constructive feedback can make all the difference in language learning and challenge you to develop faster!

Motivation

Finally, your English teacher can motivate you when you have trouble motivating yourself. Learning with apps in a self-study environment requires a lot of discipline and endurance. And if we are honest, crossing the threshold to skip an online class with an impersonal app is a lot easier than rescheduling a regular appointment with an English teacher. If you have scheduled English online lessons with a teacher, you will find it a lot more motivating to get feedback on your progress and see what you have already been able to achieve to reach your goals.

Ready to try learning English online?

Learning English online has become the modern way of studying, offering many advantages over traditional classroom learning. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, online learning provides a flexible, affordable, and effective way to learn English and achieve your language learning goals.

Here at EnglishRadar, we only work with qualified and experienced language trainers that can help you to achieve your personal English learning goals. Whether you would like to opt for the traditional flexible face-to face lessons or try out our flexible learn English online courses – we are here to answer your questions and help you choose the best way for you!

Please get in touch if you’re interested in taking an English course with EnglishRadar.

Share with friends