In our post-Covid-19 reality, online language learning seems to be an effective way of achieving our educational goals while staying safe.

It could look like a great idea for both, students and online educators, but is it really?

We would all agree that online language learning is better than no learning at all, but is it ever going to be as effective as learning in a real classroom? Or, could it even be more effective?

Online learning was steadily becoming much more widespread around the world before Covid-19.

However, in a matter of weeks, virtually all the educational institutions around the globe started experimenting with e-learning in one way or another.

Read ‘3 reasons to learn Spanish‘

We were all forced to adapt to our new reality and embrace online learning as the new normal.

The concerns of teachers and education professionals were overwhelmed by the sheer demand of remote learning.

Many teachers have said, “The learning experience is not the same”. As true as that statement may be, there is no option at the moment, it is either e-learning or nothing.

Some of the most common arguments against e-learning are:

• Limited/No real-life camaraderie or sense of belonging.
• Limited/No social interaction limits the amount of practice and exchange of ideas .
• Physical distance creates a sense of detachment and decreases motivation.
• Physical distance increases the amount of distractions.
• Easier for students to cheat in tests

Some of the most common arguments pro e-learning:

• Students can learn remotely, no need to commute.
• Videos, games and other formats may increase engagement.
• Lessons format could be less teacher-centered.
• The lessons are more consistent.
• Promotes independent learning.
• Less student anxiety.
• Personalized

Check-out what eskill.com says in their article ‘E-learning Pros and cons‘

Which one is more effective?

It will depend on every student and the particular design of the e-learning course.

For the more independent and introverted students e-learning seems to be a great option. On the other hand, the chatty, social type of student will probably have trouble concentrating during an online lesson.

Now let’s zoom in and focus on what we are really trying to discover in this article, which is if:

Online language learning could be effective.

The fact that online language tutoring can be personalized, is a massive advantage.

Each tutor will immediately adapt to the level and needs of the student. Reducing the level of tension the student feels while learning.

The one on one format reduces student anxiety and fear of making mistakes.

Video and images can provide a great support in language learning.

Read ‘Flirting in Spanish‘

The one on one experience in language learning increases the amount of attention and exposure that a language student gets.

Language evaluations can be done in real-time and the feedback can be much more accurate and useful.

One disadvantage of online language learning is that the student is not able to practice real-life scenarios with other students.

Read ‘Advantages and disadvantages of e-learning‘

Another could be that the student can’t learn from the mistakes or questions of others in the class, thus.

One on one language tutoring is highly recommended for independent, self-reliant students that have a clear objective in mind.

The pace at which this kind of students move forward is really motivating for both, teacher and student.

If the student is more on the passive side of the equation, the one on one format will allow more exposure to the language.

We can conclude by saying that, in our experience, online language learning is much more efficient than the regular language class at school.

 However, the experience is very different, and we wouldn´t like to suggest that one should substitute the other.

Learning in a proper classroom environment could be very fun and fulfilling experience for both teachers and students and nothing can replace the real life interaction that one can get in a classroom.

We believe that both are good ways of getting acquainted with a language and getting to know a different culture.

What do you think?