Decades before the evolution of technology, learning a different language came with all sorts of barriers. As a matter of fact, getting to learn English could be particularly challenging for people living outside a majority English-speaking country. But guess what? Not anymore! Now more than ever before, English language learning and taking ESL classes has become even more simplified thanks to virtual learning experiences.
If you’ve been thinking about refining your English-speaking abilities and wondering if learning via online English classes would be as effective as learning in-person or in a majority-speaking country, we unpack all the details in this guide.
Introduction to Virtual Experiences in Language Learning
Across the world, virtual learning experiences is pushing the frontiers of English language learning. English language remains a top-tier second language for many people across the globe. Thanks to virtual learning, many ESL students have become exceedingly proficient in their English-speaking abilities.
To achieve increasing English proficiency, non-native English speakers would need to familiarize and communicate with native English speakers. While this may be challenging for most people because of locational differences, virtual learning takes away this barrier. One of the exciting perks of learning virtually is the real-time access you get to interact with native English speakers who also help to guide your English Language skills.
The challenges of Traditional Language Learning Methods
Learning a language that’s different from your native language can be challenging, however, it’s not difficult to achieve. A host of factors can make language learning quite difficult; with most of it associated with traditional learning methods. They include:
Flexibility challenges:
Participating in an esl programs can be demanding as traditional methods do not offer the flexibility that comes with virtual learning. Having to show up for lessons mostly at daytimes makes it difficult to juggle work and study, for most people. In scenarios where traditional learning accommodates work schedules, it takes a longer time to achieve proficiency. In virtual learning more can be achieved in less time and under more flexible conditions as learning can be done at different times of the day.
Intuitive real-time learning:
Traditional learning often doesn’t offer intuitive real-time learning, that enhances a learner’s imagination and real-time practical experience. Real-life application of scenarios and communication methods id often done theoretically with little or no practical experience offered to the learner. Virtual learning experiences makes this even more possible.
More expensive than virtual learning:
Where a suitable physical learning environment is required to make the process of learning English as a second language easy, the student is required to pay more to enhance the physical learning experience. With virtual experience, participating in a virtual English class is even more affordable, as the need to pay for learning in a physical classroom is non-existent.
Absence of holistic learning experience:
Learners need a holistic learning experience to develop from basic vocabulary to top-tier proficiency with real-life application. Focus on the specific needs of a learner as it pertains to specific scenarios is absent in traditional learning. With virtual learning, it’s easier to narrow down to specifics, as you get to study ESL courses that pertains to your current communication need.
Loss of motivation:
Boring textbook methods and grammar rules can easily leave a learner demotivated. It takes motivation to practice one’s skill in reading, writing, listening, and speaking the English language consistently. Virtual learning makes all of these possible and it’s easy stay motivated in building your vocabulary thanks to an access to a community of other ESL learners and native speakers and teachers.
How Virtual Reality Transforms Language Education
Virtual reality improves language learning in many ways and helps to enhance learning English as a second learning all over the world. Here are some examples.
Immersive learning experience:
Virtual learning is more immersive and you get to learn English in a native-like environment and with the help of a professional. This eliminates the limitations of the native environment that comes with traditional learning.
Speed of learning and delivery:
More learning can be done in less time, as virtual reality helps to facilitate deep learning, eliminates external distractions or logistics associated with traditional learning.
Also, it’s easier to curate graphic representations of various subject matter in virtual reality than in traditional learning.
Fun-infused learning:
Virtual reality enhances fun infused learning and makes learning English and familiarizing with grammar rules less overwhelming for the learner. During the learning process, your energy is refueled and sustained through the virtual experience.
Gamification makes it easy to enjoy your learning process as you get to take real-times quizzes, and learn various ways to use words and tenses.
No downtime in learning:
A learner’s learning process may be inhibited due to various issues with traditional teaching. In virtual reality, you have no interaction with the psychological limitations of the teacher—such as blocks and stress—which often occurs in traditional teaching.
Exposure to new worlds and experiences:
Virtual reality exposes learners to new worlds were communicating easy and they get to make friends and build relationships across cultures. With such cross-cultural interactions it’s easy to engage with native speakers, achieve a common goal together and participate on virtual projects while communicating in English.
Collaborative learning and skill building:
While various learners have different goals, it’s easier for learners to collaborate with other learners with similar goals. Virtual reality enhances the imagination and critical thinking skills of learners as they engage in project-based learning in real-time.
This helps to transform the experience of learning English as a second language as learners acquire valuable work language and problem solving skills that help them to stay globally relevant. It also helps to improve their social and emotional skills as they develop their vocabulary for effective communication in various contexts.
Conclusion
With virtual experiences in language learning it’s easy to curate real-time scenarios that make your learning experience easy. It’s super easy to relate with various scenarios and contexts with virtual reality in focus.
We leverage the benefits of e-learning to help learners improve their English speaking abilities. Join us to unearth new possibilities in your language learning journey.