Even with the growing popularity of LMS online courses, only 8.6 out of each 100 university credits taken by U.S. students are for studying a foreign language, according to the U.S. Department of Education. In contrast, about 56% of Europeans are masters over at least one non-native tongue, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey. It's an embarrassing truth: Americans are pretty limited in language skills, minus their native tongues.
The U.S. is among the most well-off nations on the planet, with access to the best technology. Given this, why aren't more Americans capitalizing on language acquisition resources such as online and in-person tutors, and university and LMS online language courses?
Of course, LMS online language courses are in a category of their own. Unlike many other topics which survive on paper, language needs to come off the page, into the student's head, and out of the mouth--often.
For learning a language, a blended learning environment is really ideal. In order to become fluent, students need to listen to and repeat words and phrases. Although an online course can ask learners to listen to and repeat, pronunciation is something that needs to be coached in person, and from an early point in a student's learning experience. And when possible, it's best to combine face-to-face with online learning regardless of the topic.
When well-maintained, an LMS online language course is effective. Particularly for high schools, LMS online language courses help solve many problems facing schools today, such as: scant language course offerings, language teacher shortages, a lack of interest in traditional language acquisition, the rise in home-schooling and lack of AP classes in some areas, and the lack of physical space and funding.
Additionally, LMS online language courses can help foster the confidence of shy students when interaction with other students is online and required. Online tools like LMSs, VoIP providers, instant messaging, screen and audio recordings, and podcasts provide endless opportunities for applying and sharpening language knowledge.
The U.S. is among the most well-off nations on the planet, with access to the best technology. Given this, why aren't more Americans capitalizing on language acquisition resources such as online and in-person tutors, and university and LMS online language courses?
Of course, LMS online language courses are in a category of their own. Unlike many other topics which survive on paper, language needs to come off the page, into the student's head, and out of the mouth--often.
For learning a language, a blended learning environment is really ideal. In order to become fluent, students need to listen to and repeat words and phrases. Although an online course can ask learners to listen to and repeat, pronunciation is something that needs to be coached in person, and from an early point in a student's learning experience. And when possible, it's best to combine face-to-face with online learning regardless of the topic.
When well-maintained, an LMS online language course is effective. Particularly for high schools, LMS online language courses help solve many problems facing schools today, such as: scant language course offerings, language teacher shortages, a lack of interest in traditional language acquisition, the rise in home-schooling and lack of AP classes in some areas, and the lack of physical space and funding.
Additionally, LMS online language courses can help foster the confidence of shy students when interaction with other students is online and required. Online tools like LMSs, VoIP providers, instant messaging, screen and audio recordings, and podcasts provide endless opportunities for applying and sharpening language knowledge.
About the Author:
Create learning material online with Coggno's Learning Management Systems - LMS Online learning tools and software. If you only have 5 online learners or less, you use the system for free. Create your account now at www.coggno.com.
