On-Line English Courses – The Solution to Your Problems?

Time, money and the unavailability of quality courses adapted to the specific needs of the learner are probably the main obstacles to researching and following up a language training course. But the increase in the last few years in the number of companies offering online English training is beginning to solve these problems. Why are so many learners now starting to turn to online courses?

Price: With a potential global market and significantly reduced overhead, training organizations can offer much cheaper online courses than traditional classroom training. Companies or other organizations buying a large number of courses may also benefit from a discount on the standard price, making it an even cheaper option.
Flexibility: With an online course, it is no longer necessary to engage in a 90 ‘lesson twice a week, with the risk of falling behind if you miss classes. You can study when and where you want. Fifteen minutes before the end of your lunch break? Log in and do an exercise. In business trip? Turn on your laptop and spend the evening on the course. Sunday afternoon, the only time you are free? No problem.
Quality: With online courses, you no longer have to choose between training organizations based in your city. If the organization that has the course that suits you is based in Paris, it does not matter if you are in Buenos Aires or Kuala Lumpur – the course material is online and your teacher is there for you via Skype or another VOIP software .
Before deciding to take an online course, think about your motivation and personal discipline. The best course in the world can only work if you do it! Online courses offer some flexibility as to when you study, but you still need to spend some time with them. At the beginner level, we recommend at least three hours of total study per week and no less than three sessions – more or less one every other day. 30 minutes a day would be even better. Less total time or fewer regular sessions and you will simply forget everything you learn. As your level increases, you can reduce your time to two hours a week if necessary, although your progress obviously slows down. And at the advanced level, even an hour a week will allow you to maintain your current skills.

But once you have decided to study online, how do you rate the different courses offered?

First, check the references of course providers. On the website, it should be possible to know who created the course and what their history of teaching English is. Also take a look at the technical quality of the site. If the pages take hours to download, or if the exercises are still in the same format, it will become boring.