In spite of the growing popularity of LMS online courses, only 8.6 out of each 100 college credits taken by students in the U.S. are for studying a foreign language. Compare that figure to the 56% of Europeans who are at ease with at least one other language, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey. Unfortunately, the stereotype about Americans is rather true: most of us are more or less limited to English.
We are one of the richest countries on the planet, with access to the finest and most innovative technology. Taking that into consideration, it’s baffling that more Americans aren’t challenging themselves to acquire a second language, taking advantage of the spectrum of language resources such as face-to-face and online tutors, and university and LMS online language courses.
It’s true that LMS online language courses are peculiar. 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.
The repetition of words and phrases is a requisite to any language course. Sure, an online course can require students to listen to and repeat words, without someone there to provide feedback a student’s pronunciation may be completely off.
So for learning a language, a blended learning environment is really ideal. Most e-learning, after all, is most effective when coupled with face-to-face teaching.
When used in blended learning, LMS online language courses can be truly efficient. In high schools especially, online language is part of the solution to many challenges that schools face, including limited language course offerings, shortages of language instructors, a lack of interest in language acquisition, the rise in home-schooling, and the lack of AP classes, physical space, and funding. In school districts across the country, the budget cuts are forecasted to carry a heavy impact.
Online language practice with other students is especially helpful for shy students, but benefits everyone by making them feel more comfortable practicing.Online tools like LMSs, VoIP providers, instant messaging, screen and audio recordings, and podcasts provide endless opportunities for applying and sharpening language knowledge.
