Flex Language Muscles with LMS Online Courses
Posted on June 29, 2009
Filed Under Learn Spanish CD, Learn Spanish Online | Leave a Comment
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Education, only 8.6 out of every 100 university credits achieved by U.S. students are for foreign language acquisition, despite the growing use of LMS online language programs. Conversely, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey, about 56% of Europeans have at least one second language. Unfortunately, the stereotype about Americans is rather true: most of us are more or less limited to English.
The United States is among the wealthiest nations on the planet, with access to the newest technology. Considering this fact, why aren’t more Americans capitalizing on language acquisition resources such as online and in-person tutors, and university and LMS online language courses?
Of course, LMS online language courses are unique. Unlike other topics that are fine left on the page, language material needs to be practiced out loud; therefore, depending on online courseware alone may not be an effective method.
In order to acquire a language, students need to listen to and repeat words and phrases. 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.
Therefore, a blended learning environment works best for language acquisition. 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. Significantly for high schools across the U.S., LMS online language courses help answer a range of problems, including: insufficient language course offerings, language teacher shortages, no interest in language acquisition, lack of AP classes in some areas, lack of physical space in schools, and most of all, lack of 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. Language students have a range of collaborative tools available to them online in the form of screen and audio recordings, LMSs, podcasts, discussion forums and VoIP services.
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