Language Lessons Online vs. In-Person: Which is Better?

Although language courses have traditionally been taught in person, the advent of Zoom classes and online school has opened the door to additional ways to learn. Many parents struggle to continue their students’ enrollment in traditional in-person classrooms or enroll in an online course. In brief, many factors may influence the decision to take classes online. Read on to determine which format best suits your student’s needs!

Flexibility

When it comes to classes that are paced to the individual student’s needs, online courses tend to have the edge over in-person sessions.  Online classes that meet in a one-to-one format cannot happen without the student present; therefore, the student is never left behind and can meet with their teacher according to a schedule that works best for them. 

Access Lessons from Anywhere

Further, online is often easier to access than those taught in person.  Students may access their lessons while on vacation, away at a sports tournament, or from the comfort of their homes.  If flexibility is the top priority, online classes are a better choice. 

Live Instruction

While all in-person language classes are taught live, that is not always the case with online courses.  Choosing an online course with live instruction is particularly important when deciding between in-person or online courses.  Online lessons taught live allow students to stop their teachers and ask questions in real-time to ensure understanding of content.

Structure Can Be Simple 

While online courses without live instruction offer a significant amount of flexibility, language learners should consider that some structure is beneficial for language acquisition.  Students enrolled in asynchronous courses may take too long between their classes and consequently suffer learning loss.  When choosing a language course, it is crucial to choose one that offers live instruction and consistent scheduling for true content mastery.

More Choice

In-person classes are always limited to students’ geographical area and how far they can travel to meet with an instructor.  The online forum allows students and teachers from all over the globe to connect, regardless of location or time zone.  Parents may choose from instructors who best suit their students’ needs, whether they’re looking for a German teacher with decades of experience or a Spanish tutor who shares their student’s interests.

Class Format Matters 

Further, online programs may be designed with learners of many backgrounds in mind.  Classes taught in a live, one-to-one format are customizable and often better fit the needs of students with learning differences.  An accredited course taught one-to-one online can also be individualized to meet the needs of gifted students looking for a more challenging curriculum than those offered in person.

Master a New Language with the Premier Choice

LanguageBird’s online courses for high school credit are a premier choice for those looking to master a new language.  Qualified, native-speaking instructors are available in 15 different world languages to teach your student. Are you interested in learning more?  Contact us today!