I recently completed thirty one-on-one Czech classes in thirty days. This taught me a lot about online language learning so I thought I’d share my reflections on the benefits and drawbacks here.

Advantages of online language learning

Study with more than one teacher

Traditionally, a student is assigned a teacher and they study together until one of them quits. However, online language learning platforms host multiple teachers with no obligation to take multiple lessons with the same one. Testing your language skills with various teachers mimics real life language situations because you’re forced to overcome the initial embarrassment and tune into different accents. One of my teachers taught from a hut in Bali, another from a zoo in Tenerife. We had so much to find out about each other that we didn’t need to manufacture topics.

Another advantage is that you can be more selective about which teachers to continue to with. Many language learners blame themselves for a lack of progress and quit (when maybe they just haven’t found the right teacher). Meeting so many teachers taught me I’m not always to blame for unsuccessful interactions. Perhaps the other person speaks too fast, isn’t concentrating, lacks patience, or we simply don’t click.

Teachers can access online language learning materials

There is only so much material a classroom teacher can carry under their arm, so most arrive with one or two learning points. With online lessons they have endless materials available, allowing them to easily pivot when a new learning point arises. Additionally, students can use online apps like Google Translate and Readlang to find answers for themselves (fantastic practice for real-world conversations).

You save time

With online language learning there is no commute so you can squeeze a class into a spare 45 minutes. Lessons are less of an ‘event’ which you need to plan your day or evening around. Teachers are available around the clock and you can decide when you take your lessons each week. Ever heard yourself say: “I’d love to meet on Thursday but I’ve got English class.” Not any more. Just book a different time or teacher.

You can record the class and listen to it back

I’ve spoken to students who do this every week, but personally, I’ve only done it once or twice as I can’t bear to listen to myself grasping for words. For those who can stomach it, it’s a useful tool to review learning points, doubling the value you get from each class.

Both teacher and student receive regular feedback

Honest feedback doesn’t happen as much as it should in real life because it’s awkward. An online student is far more likely to tell the teacher what they enjoy/don’t enjoy. Similarly, the teacher is likely to be more honest about areas the student needs to work on.

Online language learning platforms work

There are many great platforms to choose from, but I use Italki. A student rating system bolsters the robust teacher vetting process and you can choose your communication channel (Skype, Hangouts, Zoom).

The downsides of online language learning

Doesn’t fully simulate real-life conversation

The computer acts as a protective barrier, providing distance and additional comfort. In some ways this is good: you feel more confident and willing to talk. But the fact it’s far easier to speak to a stranger over Skype than face-to-face is a major downside. You’re learning a language to use it in the real world, right?

The internet is a distraction

I find it difficult to concentrate when I’m online: I absent-mindedly check my e-mail or scroll Facebook in class.

Problematic for teachers

Platforms like Italki must be a nightmare for teachers. How can they can build a routine when students decide the schedule from week-to-week? Some take random lessons and are unlikely to return (guilty), others cancel a couple of days before (the teacher doesn’t get paid), and long-term students can quit without explanation. It must be impossible for teachers to predict how much money they’ll earn.  

Final thoughts on online language learning

I’ve had a great time learning online and I’ve met some interesting people along the way. But based on my experiences this month, I don’t think technology will replace live learning altogether. In my opinion, the best way to learn a language right now is a mixture of online and face-to-face.