01 Nov 09 The Benefits of Online Language Learning
Some Facts Regarding Online Language Learning
Many people would strongly agree on the advantages of online language learning, including Indonesian language in today’s society. But the question is, what is the best way to do it?
If you grew up thirty or even twenty years ago, it is likely that you have been studying a second language at least since you were in high school. Studying is the significant word here, because most likely at the time, you would protest about the fact that, after all those hours of study, in the end you could not use the language at all.
Well this was not your mistake at all. It was merely the consequence of a conservative attitude to language teaching with a huge importance placed on grammar. At the time, it was also considered that the grammatical rules of a language were its most valuable aspect. Therefore most students had to remember hundreds of verb tenses and word lists. Yet, unlike the online language learning, they were never really taught or trained to use the language.
Writing and reading skills were also given priority under the traditional technique to the detriment of the aural and oral ones. As a result, the overall speaking skills of the students were usually not enough. Consider this: After a number of years of learning, let’s say, Indonesian, were you able to follow a movie or a television program in that language? Did you feel happy speaking Indonesian? Or did you panic at the idea of having to travel and engage with native speakers? This is what having poor communicative ability means, and it is characteristic of traditionally taught students.
Unlike the online language learning, more recently, if you have joined a language class you probably discovered a totally different approach: You spent many hours repeating sentences after the teacher, without even knowing how they were spelled or what each word meant. You were told that this was not essential.
Online Language Learning – The Truth
Online Language Learning
The theory that ‘communicating’ was the crucial (and only) thing. This is a typical example of the audio-lingual technique, a response to the traditional method. Speaking and listening are the skills emphasized here, so students almost never write or read. Unfortunately, most of the conversations practiced are not even close to the kind of real conversation you would have with a native speaker.
You’ve probably worked out by now that the most thorough and effective method of online language learning should be a combination of traditional and latest techniques. This approach tries to pay equal emphasis to and bring together the different skills by presenting the grammar in a conversational format. Students also need useful exercises that they can relate to what they do in their everyday lives. In other words, just like in online language learning, usually through skype.com, language teaching needs to be oriented towards a context that is pertinent for learners, with resources that engage them and make them become absorbed in their learning.
And how can those of us with hectic daily schedules find the time and money to acquire these skills? Well the good news is that online Indonesian learning is now a serious and viable option for language teaching.
Online language learning is self-paced, can be undertaken at whatever time you have available and involves no travel. You can register and start instantly, and it need not cost a fortune. And if the thought of practicing your new Indonesian language skills in front a class strikes fear in you, then now you need not put yourself through it, you can learn in the comfort and security of your own home.
Other interesting articles you might be interested in: Indonesian Course and Indonesian Grammar.
