The Benefits of Learning a Language via Skype

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One of the best technological innovations of our time has given us easier access to connecting with individuals around the globe. What is this amazing, life-changing technology you ask? Skype.

Skype has revolutionised the way in which we can engage with people in the virtual world, so long as there is a reliable internet connection, it is almost as if the person were in the same room. This element has completely changed the way in which we are able to do international business, make normal phone calls, keep in touch with loved ones, and have meetings in places that may not have been possible before. The world has never been more connected and communicating with someone across the globe has never been more accessible. Many international businesses rely on communicating with colleagues, clients and business partners primarily through virtual platforms such as Skype.

We teach languages, though, so how do you think this could be useful for us? Just as with businesses and personal phone calls, learning a language, which requires sight, listening, interacting, writing, and reading can all be interpreted within the platform itself. Not only is learning a language via Skype effective, but sometimes virtual learning can be even more beneficial than face-to-face learning. These are five ways that learning a language via Skype can be better than face-to-face.

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1.More Convenient

With the added time pressures we find ourselves under these days, the thought of having to find the time to commute to a language school can often deter us from learning a new language. The option of learning a language via Skype cuts out the need to travel anywhere, and therefore saves time and money. Skype gives you the opportunity to take your language class anytime, anywhere. Nowadays, owning a smartphone can even lead to learning a language via Skype on your mobile during your morning commute.

2.Less Intimidating

Learning a new language can be very daunting, and sometimes, depending on the teacher, it can be overwhelming and feel like you are under too much pressure to learn a new language face-to-face. Many language learners have found that they actually prefer the environment created via Skype for their learning abilities as they feel more relaxed and less intimidated.

3.Increased Focused

Listening capabilities via Skype are usually enhanced as most of the classes are one-on-one and conducted with the use of headphones. This method allows you to adjust the volume as you wish and results in less distractions and more focus. The pronunciation of new words are often clearer and more easily understood via headphones in comparison to a classroom setting, which may have external noises or other distractions.

4.More Interactive

Teaching a class via Skype requires the teacher to plan the lesson more creatively and flexibly, as they are not able to just lump you with a pile of worksheets. The classes are required to be more interactive and are practical in nature; the majority of the class will be verbal, which is often found to be the fastest and most effective way to learn a new language.

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5.Be Taught by a Native Speaker

Possibly the most beneficial aspect of learning a language via Skype is the increased accessibility to being taught by a native speaker. The ease of connection around the world will allow you to learn Spanish for example, with a native Spanish teacher who is actually living in Spain, whilst you are sitting in your office in Australia. This allows you to learn the language from a native speaker who has a natural flair for the correct pronunciation of words, and a practical understanding of the rules of the language. An element of language is the culture and history of its people; learning a language with a native speaker is often a much richer experience as you are also exposed to stories about the culture and country in which the language is natively spoken.

Nowadays there are so many different ways of learning a language other than the more traditional way of face-to-face. These new ways are increasing the opportunity for a wider range of people to learn languages. Learning a language via Skype has many benefits and often eliminates some of the barriers standing in our way. What other benefits of learning a language via Skype can you think of?