Article: Sanmogam Naidu, Principal, Bua College

People learn languages for a variety of reasons. Some do it for their careers, for travel, interest or simply for fun. Whatever the reason, it is undeniable that learning a language is becoming increasingly important due to globalization.

Now new advances in technology are stripping away that need for physical closeness with a language teacher and are offering modern alternatives to learn a language. E-learning is an umbrella term that describes learning done at a computer, usually connected to a network, giving us the opportunity to learn almost anytime, anywhere. It is the process of learning a language online. This means all interaction takes places on the internet without the need for physical proximity. Online language lessons are now proving to be a very popular alternative to the traditional classroom based or one-to-one language teaching.

Many people want to learn languages yet cannot commit to regular times every week either due to personal or work commitments. Sometimes the learner may simply be too tired to attend a lesson. Online language lessons allow the learner to take lessons when they want and where they want.

Some people find group lessons either daunting or frustrating. Many people are too shy to talk in front of others, so lose out on vital practice. Others want too much individual attention but find the teacher does not have enough time to address their needs. Online language tuition provides the learner with complete one on one language lessons.

Many of us enjoy our home comforts and would prefer to have language lessons on the sofa with a cup of coffee rather than in a cold classroom sat on a hard wooden chair.

All the signs point to online language tuition growing in popularity as learners continue to experience the positives it offers them. As with most areas of personal lives, the shift in recent decades has been towards convenience and ease. Language learning is simply the latest area where these two priorities are becoming demanded by users.

Learning is self-paced and gives students a chance to speed up or slow down as necessary. It is self-directed, allowing students to choose content and tools appropriate to their differing interests, needs, and skill levels. E-learning accommodates multiple learning styles using a variety of delivery methods geared to different learners; more effective for certain learners. 24/7 accessibility makes scheduling easy and allows a greater number of people to attend classes.

Lifestyles play a big role in the success of online learners. According to Wade (2004) these are the traits that successful online students possess, to varying degrees: self-direction, motivation, comfortability with computers, ability to use email, internet browser, word processor, discipline, and independence.

The online system in classrooms with teachers to produce their work with mixture and variety of talents using video, audio and powerpoint and keep the interest in the students while trying to pass the message across.

For more information or to support eLearning at Bua College, please contact the Principal at Bua College on (+679) 820 7608