subject: Distance learning, its pros and cons [print this page] 1. Study Languages with Distance Learning Language Courses Distance language courses become more and more popular. Many people have tested their effectiveness and are satisfied with their results. If you have any hesitations about starting your distance education, let us apply some of them. In many cases, people study languages because their professional activity makes it necessary. Sometimes a person studies a language just to please his/her soul and to get an interesting hobby. Whatever purpose of studying a language you have, there are several reasons why distance language courses can be convenient for you: 1. A distance course does not require spending time on getting to your lessons after a working day and then getting home late in the evening. 2. Studying language at home means that you do not make extra efforts after your working day and just learn in relaxed atmosphere. 3. You can choose any language to study by means of a distance course while finding some courses in your city can be quite challenging or even impossible. There is a strong concern about distance language courses which the majority of people have: pronunciation. Indeed, it may seem quite strange to study language without communication with a teacher in a language which you study. Let us dispel this concern of yours: modern languages allow students listen, talk, read, sing and whatever they need to do in a language which they study. There are two types of distance education: 1. Synchronous 2. Asynchronous The first type implies that students study a language according to a schedule by means of having common sessions. A teacher also communicates with students. Asynchronous learning allows studying a language whenever you want. Both types provide an opportunity to hear native speakers and to practice your pronunciation, for example: 1. You will listen to audios and repeat by them. 2. You will hear other students and a teacher. 3. Your teacher will control your pronunciation.
