To learn English language, we have two
basic options: take online English courses or go to the traditional brick and
mortar language schools. In both options, there are pros and cons; and the
benefits to be enjoyed actually depend on which option we're most comfortable
with.
Our decision can be based on several
factors: the proximity of the actual land-based language school, course levels
being offered, study materials to be used per course level, competence of the
instructors, teacher-student ratio and course fees.
For most people though, who want to take
English lessons, going with online courses is the better option.
English Online Courses
English courses online are offered at
different competency levels. This way, we can start from how much or how little
we know of the English language, so we won't have to take courses that we
already know about.
The general levels of English courses cover
pre-elementary, elementary, intermediate up to advanced levels. There are also
English courses for professionals who want to learn English language.
The courses can run from as little as
twenty hours up to one hundred and fifty hours, depending on the course of our
choice. We can start from beginning courses and finish up to the advanced
courses; or we can also take one course at a time spread over a specific period
of time, depending on what is convenient and comfortable for us.
If we only need a little brushing up on our
English skills, we can jump straight to the advanced courses. On the other
hand, if we are unsure of our exact level of competency we can have our English
skills assessed first by the tutors or through online English schools. These
services are usually free.
Advantages of Online Courses
There are many advantages for learning the
English language on the internet. For one thing, we have the convenience of
learning from our own homes. We only need to have a working computer,
appropriate web applications and a reliable internet connection.
Secondly, we won't be self-conscious,
particularly if we are not yet very confident when it comes to speaking the
English language. We can also save on time and money since we don't have to
spend on gasoline or fares to reach the class.
We can also schedule our classes at the
most convenient time for us so these won't get in the way of our daily routine
and responsibilities.
Now here's the clincher: there are free
learning materials that we can readily view and download online. This means
that if we want to go the other way and learn English language by ourselves, we
can start with the free materials being offered online.
We can learn proper grammar and spelling,
among many other options. There are even fun games that we can play where
English lessons are incorporated. Whatever we decide on, if we are truly set on
learning English language, there are plenty of options available for us.
Whether online or in land-based language
schools, developing our English skills will definitely help us in our work,
travels, communications and even college courses.