Global Languages and Online Education

Our World Language Department Chair, Raúl López Acero, shares his thoughts on the importance of synchronous learning for global language acquisition.

Online education has revolutionized access to global language learning, allowing people anywhere in the world to learn a second or third language from home. The key to truly mastering a new language though remains access to an experienced and engaging teacher.

“Live” online language classes are vital for:

1. Conversation practice. A live online classroom allows for hands-on instruction, correction, and clarification that is lacking in an asynchronous setting.
2. Listening comprehension. Listening to and engaging in live conversations is a crucial step towards building comprehension.
3. Commitment to learning. While there are numerous ways to engage with new languages online, a dedicated teacher is key to establishing consistency.

Global languages open doors to professional, cultural, and personal opportunities. The use of multimedia tools, interactive platforms, and online practice apps offer numerous ways to engage in this work. That said, access to an engaging teacher in an interactive online environment remains central to successfully mastering a new language.