The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language Courses

The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language Courses The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language Courses Weighing one online language course against the many others.Spending hours sifting through facts and making comparisons.Only reading positive reviews that dont tell you the real ins and outs of each course.Wondering about scathingly negative reviews that are outliers among many 5-star reviewsâ€"but do seem to raise some good points.And that, friends, sounds like a drag, doesnt it?Would-be language learners often put off trying to choose the perfect online language course because the above becomes so darn exhausting.A fundamental fact is that time is of the essence for everyone. It’s just a fact of our super busy lives: We’re all crunched for time.So, how best to cut through the clutter and choose the course that suits your needs? It just so happens there’s a good answer to that time-conscious question!I can help you find the best method for your learning styleâ€"before you waste precious time on something that doesn’t work well.Spend time learning, not looking! What Makes a n Online Course Worthwhile for You?Let’s face it, we all have different needsâ€"there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to almost anything in life. Language learning is no different.That means you need to choose an online course according to your own unique needs and learning style. Makes sense, doesn’t it?Now lets address the elephant in the room, discovering how you learn. What style are you?Lets find out!Of course, the usual approach is to discuss classic learning styles, like visual, auditory or kinesthetic. Here, were only interested in teasing apart whats best for you in the online language course market, which means were going to focus more on characteristics of digital resources: CostMobilityGamificationInteractivityStructureCost and the Cash-conscious LearnerAre you at a point in life where the day-to-day grind pays the basics and not much else? Are your purse strings tight? Just dont feel like shelling out for anything you dont have to?There’s a fix for thatâ€"i t’s entirely possible (easy, actually) to find a course that’s not a budget-buster! Many online language courses are free or very cheap.Mobility and the Globe-trotting LearnerNot in one place for too long, are you? Do you always have a suitcase packed and that passport by the door? Never quite sure if youll have solid Wi-Fi? Or maybe youre just always on the move in your hometown, commuting to work, hanging out in different places or going for long drives.Then you need mobility in your course. Learn anywhere, anytimeâ€"and never leave home without your language lessons!Gamification and the Competitive LearnerSome learners want concrete validation that information is actually being absorbed.And some of us just like the thrill of playing a good game and seeing progress, right?Good news! There are courses that play almost like video games. They have levels to track progress, dole out points, have bonuses to unlock and some even give out virtual awards. What’s not to love about th at kind of fun?Interactivity and the Interactive LearnerVideos, grammar modules and vocabulary tools that engage while teaching can be wonderfully effective. Yes, it’s amazing how much language learning takes place while you’re casually, passively watching a videoâ€"and the cultural knowledge gained is priceless.But interactive learners, who like lots of hands-on practice to learn, will want to seek out courses with loads of interactive elements. By encouraging you to think, type, click and speak, interactive elements keep you in the game.Youll also want to seek out social tools like forums, tutors, language exchange partners and learning groupsâ€"or even a very responsive support staff.Structure and Classic Classroom LearnerClassroom learning is still legit. After all, it’s what keeps brick-and-mortar colleges and universities in business.Some people learn best the way their formal educations began: in a classroom.Excellent auditory skills are a plus for classroom learning. A bonus? Most people who prefer this experience possess a hefty attention span which lends itself to drill-type exercises. Those skills worked when we were in grade school, and they still work now.The Pros and Cons of 7 Leading Online Language CoursesLanguage learning is in part about community, understanding and socializing, so take some hints from those who have successfully done this.Gather tipsâ€"but make your language learning experience your own!Here, well introduce you to seven of the leading online language courses that you can work with. Youll likely recognize all these names because they carry some hefty onlineâ€"and real-worldâ€"clout. The pros and cons are presented for each course, as well as a note about who the course tends to work best for.BusuuBusuu declares it only takes 10 minutes a day to learn a language, so they offer short lessons and interactive learning with learners across the globe. Speaking and writing exercises are corrected by native speakers which encou rages cultural interaction.If youd like to  sample  any of the 12 language  courses offered, just sign in and look one over for free.Best ForThe classroom-style learners who also enjoy socializing with their peersâ€"so will appreciate the forumsâ€"but can basically work solo.ProsTheres a  free option which uses flashcards, writing exercises  and corrections from native speakers. Additionally, the premium option isnt overly pricey but helps you reach some great ends. The site claims that 22.5 hours of their premium course equals one college semester of language study.Socialization is emphasized using community forums. You can chat with other learners to stimulate those vocabulary and conversation skills.ConsThis course is too structured for anyone who likes more freedom and immersion. The language used here can feel formal and textbook, rather than natural and authentic. You wont get much in the way of authentic resources here, so you wont necessarily feel immersed in the way modern native speakers use their language.Plus, the free option isnt mobile, which may not suit everyone.BabbelBabbels foundation is the idea that language learning occurs best when  we  just begin  to speak a language so thats what they do, they get the words flowing! Speech recognition technology helps get pronunciations on point.  Learners choose from a variety of topics, ranging from business to travel, among other things.The main focal areas of this course are lesson modules, vocabulary practice and social learning (where you can hook up with friends and fellow learners online).Feel free to check out one of the dozen courses available from Babbel before deciding if this option appeals to you, like the courses for Spanish, French, German, Russian and Italian.Best ForThe interactive learner who benefits from short bursts of learning.ProsThe first lesson in every language is free and the individual lessons are short (10-15 minutes) so they fit into any schedule. Its a mobile method taugh t by native speakers, so pronunciation is on point.For most offered languages, the modules cover a lot of ground, from the basic language lessons to business language, culture, travel, geography and tongue twisters.ConsWhile theres a nice feature for recording your voice, it still needs some development to achieve full accuracy.Since this course is quite immersive, the avalanche of vocabulary that youre exposed to right off the bat might feel overwhelming for some learners, especially those who are more classroom-oriented.The language youre learning might have more lackluster material than the most popular languagesâ€"English, Spanish, German, French, etc.â€"so the free course is worth your while to take.FluentUFluentU is real-world language learning, based on the premise that learners learn most easily when offered rich, engaging, memorable and authentic experiences. If a subject interests you or if it touches your heart, youre more likely to retain whatever knowledge is gained by that lesson.The program currently offers six language courses (English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese) to learners, and five more are in the works.  FluentU can also be used  from  iOS  or  Android  devices with the app.    If youd like to see how this course works, take a peek.Best ForAny learners with a globe-trotting, culturally-conscious, interactive learning style. Its gamified and addictive.Learning is done through language immersion via native videos, so the world comes to the learner. Its culture on your doorstep, no travel required!ProsThe real-world video content is beyond fun. Who doesnt want to be entertained while theyre learning? Its a natural way to learn a language, through immersion via video that does not include dull, repetitive lessons. And youll almost feel like youre procrastinating while checking out movie trailers, music videos, interviews, comedy skits, YouTube channels, cartoons and more.Theres something for everyone, with videos on all sorts of topics, so this course appeals to all personalities and language levels. The cost is reasonable, and you can try it  for free before  you decide if its right for you.ConsThere are courses which provide direction and structure in the less advanced levels, but after the intermediate stage youre left to your own devices.This is also a highly immersive program, so youll find yourself swimming in new vocabulary and grammar every day. Youll likely encounter a lot of vocabulary and grammar that you wont fully learn how to use properly for a good whileâ€"which is good for some, but perhaps not all.This can be an amazing way to gain exposure and familiarity with a language, but can admittedly be challenging for classroom-type learners who need more structure and guidance.DuolingoLooking for fun? A cute little green companion bird wholl nudge you toward a daily language learning commitment? Then Duolingo may be  what youre  after!The course uses the theory that daily language le arning is the way to go, and theyre making it fun to show up day after day. There are points for returning and completing lessons, and the daily streak (how many days in a row youve shown up for study) is a challenge unto itself.Would you like a little taste of a course? No problem! There are 21 to choose from. Choose a language and take the placement test to see where you fall.Best ForGaming types who crave immediate success or results.Its also a good fit for those suffering a time crunch. With just a few minutes a day to invest youll still get results and build a solid learning habit.ProsThe course was founded in 2012 by Luis von Ahn who was determined to make language learning available to everyoneâ€"thats why its free.Its interactive and fun, almost like playing a game rather than doing coursework. The method is to teach by context rather than memorization so theres some cultural references, which always make a course interesting.Its known to be extremely effective in getting to tal newbies off the groundâ€"and keep them hookedâ€"with its addictive, fun method. It will give you structure and introduce you to a ton of diverse linguistic topics.Another fun fact? There are six additional courses hatching, meaning that theyre in development, including Klingon!ConsThe program lacks a solid grammar base, something that might not appeal to a classroom-type learner. Its not super helpful for learners at the high-intermediate, advanced or nearly-fluent levels.While it provides an awesome bare-bones framework to drive your learning, it doesnt go very in-depth into any topic. Youll just get a taste of each grammar point or vocabulary theme, but youll need to seek outside resources to really, truly learn any given topic.FSI (Foreign Service Institute) CoursesThe FSI has been around a long time so theyve got a boatload of languages (40+) offered. If youd like to see how theyre structured,  this is  a great example of the  way theyve got things formatted.Best ForIndepend ent workers who don’t mind sorting through what does not seem necessary to their study. Also great for classroom learners who enjoy and benefit from drills.The courses were developed by the US Foreign Services to train diplomats. They teach basic comprehension and speaking.On a personal note, I became basically conversant in German in 28 days using the courses. They were a bit dry in spots but they work. I plan to use more of the courses available. Why not? Free and they work? Yes and yes!ProsThe courses are in the public domain so theyre free. Theres a huge assortment of languages and most languages have enough material to provide a solid learning opportunity.ConsThe courses arent new, so there are some out-of-date social references. If youre bothered by retro, these arent the courses for you.As noted earlier, the materials can be formal and dry, so its not a great choice for the interactive learner, or someone who craves the bells and whistles of gamification.Rosetta StoneUsing speech recognition software, native speakers and an immersive curriculum, Rosetta Stone teaches by building on vocabulary in an orderly method. The program is available in 28 languages, including but not limited to: Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Chinese.  If youd like to give it a go before committing, theyre down with that.Best ForClassroom learners, but also those on the goâ€"a handy, high-quality mobile app can be downloaded.ProsThis is an organized method of learning, relying on vocabulary building.There are pronunciation checks which help correct your language SNAFUs as they occur.And there are several options for purchasing the courses, including subscription and downloads.ConsThis coursework isnt ideal for learners who dislike traditional classroom settings.Another personal note? I’m currently taking the Irish course and progressing nicely despite having no prior experience with this language. The vocabulary-building facilitates rapid learning and the voice recognit ion response feature makes getting pronunciation down a snap.Will I be able to chat it up in Dublin in six weeks? Time will tell!FluenzFluenzs foundation is the thought that adult language learners learn best when they can relate a new language to the one they already know. They focus on lining up the structure (vocabulary, syntax and grammar) of a new language to English.The  coursework at Fluenz includes six languages and they offer the option to try before you buy.Best ForClassroom learners who like structure but want to be able to take the course on the go.ProsThis courses favored theory of learning is based on that of a typical, English-speaking classroom, using English as a foundation for learning new languages. This means that the course will feel quite familiar for native English speakers who learned a foreign language in their middle school or high school, with a teacher who used English to explain some things.The new language exposure will feel similar to whats already wor ked for you in the past.Once the program is installed, its not necessary to be connected to the internet. Additionally, theres an app for phones so language learning is mobile.ConsDownloads begin at $177 so, while its a very comprehensive program, this isnt for a budget-conscious language learner.Its also not the ideal choice for anyone who favors a more immersive method of learning, where youre surrounded by authentic language and constantly bumping into new linguistic challenges. It will probably feel like too much structure for a learner with this preference.In a NutshellSo there they are, the top online language learning courses all laid outâ€"pros, cons and everything in between. Theres no need to waste precious time doing research or weighing facts and figures. The legwork is done, and now its up to you to move forward with your language learning dreams!Identify your language learning style, then choose the course best suited to your needs.Charlemagne said, “to have another language is to possess a second soul.”So go for the new language, gain “a second soul” …then maybe a third and fourth.The possibilities are limitlessâ€"what are you waiting for?