Why Live Online Learning Remains a Preferable Option Post-COVID: A Case for Live Online Language Lessons

This informal CPD article, ‘Why Live Online Learning Remains a Preferable Option Post-COVID: A Case for Live Online Language Lessons’, was provided by International Language Experts, who organise language training for companies and individuals.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reshaped the landscape of education, pushing millions of students and educators to shift to online platforms almost overnight. As the world gradually transitions back to normality, a compelling case can be made that live online learning, especially in the field of language education, remains a highly effective and preferable option. This article will explore why live online language lessons continue to provide unique benefits even after the pandemic, emphasising convenience, access to high-quality educators, and cost-efficiency.

1. Access to Top Educators from Anywhere in the World

One of the most profound advantages of live online language learning is the unprecedented access to some of the best teachers worldwide. Prior to the pandemic, students were often constrained by geographical limitations, relying on local instructors whose qualifications and expertise might vary widely. In contrast, online platforms have democratised access to highly qualified, professional teachers from diverse backgrounds. For example, a learner in South America can now access a highly regarded Arabic language teacher based in Cairo without leaving their home. This access to specialised educators—whether native speakers or experts in specific teaching methodologies—enhances the overall learning experience (Chingos et al., 2020).

To underestimate the significance of learning from the best educators is to overlook one of the primary drivers of success in language acquisition. Research by Darling-Hammond (2000) emphasises that the quality of teaching is the single most important in-school factor influencing student outcomes. By leveraging the live online model, students can maximise their potential by learning from teachers with both subject expertise and the pedagogical skills necessary for effective instruction.

2. Convenience and Flexibility

A second compelling reason live online learning remains highly preferable is the convenience it offers. The flexibility to study from virtually any location, be it home, a café, or while traveling, is a massive benefit that in-person learning simply cannot offer. This level of convenience allows learners to better integrate their studies into their busy lives, whether they are balancing work, family, or other responsibilities. As Song et al. (2004) suggest, flexibility in learning is a significant motivator for students, especially adult learners who must juggle multiple responsibilities.

Moreover, online language learning platforms often offer greater scheduling flexibility compared to traditional, in-person classes. Learners can schedule lessons at times that best suit their needs, allowing for a more personalised and efficient learning experience. This adaptability in scheduling has been found to increase learner satisfaction and engagement, contributing to more successful learning outcomes (Garrison & Cleveland-Innes, 2005).

3. Cost-Effective Learning

From an economic perspective, live online learning can also be a more cost-efficient option. Traditional classroom-based learning often entails various additional costs, including travel expenses, accommodation, and physical learning materials. Online learning eliminates these expenditures, allowing students to invest solely in the instruction itself. Moreover, many online platforms offer a range of pricing options, making it possible to tailor the learning experience to the student’s budget without compromising on the quality of instruction (Means et al., 2010).

Given that professional language lessons represent an investment both in time and money, it only makes sense to optimise these resources by learning from skilled educators who can deliver effective lessons. This optimisation of financial and temporal investments makes live online learning an increasingly attractive option in a post-pandemic world.

4. Enhanced Use of Technology for Immersive Learning

Another benefit of live online learning is the technological tools available to enhance language acquisition. Live online platforms often integrate a variety of multimedia resources—videos, digital flashcards, quizzes, and real-time interactive exercises—which engage learners in ways that traditional classrooms may not always accommodate. The ability to share screens, use interactive whiteboards, and access global cultural content in real-time allows for a more immersive experience (Levy, 2009).

Additionally, language learners benefit from the ability to record lessons for later review. This function allows students to revisit complex grammatical structures, vocabulary, or pronunciation lessons at their own pace, a flexibility that is less available in traditional classrooms. According to Bates and Poole (2003), such adaptive learning technologies significantly improve student engagement and retention of knowledge, particularly in language acquisition where repetition and practice are crucial.

5. A Balanced Approach to Social and Independent Learning

Live online learning also balances the social aspects of education with independent study. Language learning is inherently a social activity, and live online sessions maintain the interpersonal connections essential for practicing speaking and listening skills. At the same time, learners can independently review material and progress at their own pace between lessons, allowing them to take ownership of their learning journey (Vygotsky, 1978).

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the viability of this model, and its benefits continue to be felt in the present. Educators have developed new skills for online teaching, while students have adapted to using technology to create rich, interactive learning environments. Rather than seeing online education as a stopgap solution, it should be viewed as a robust and evolving model of education that is here to stay.

Conclusion

As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, live online language learning remains a superior option due to its accessibility to top-tier educators, convenience, cost-efficiency, and innovative use of technology. The ability to learn from anywhere with expert instructors from around the globe offers unparalleled advantages, making online learning an invaluable tool for language students. To continue choosing less when more is available would be to overlook the immense potential that live online language learning offers in the modern educational landscape.

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References

· Bates, A. W., & Poole, G. (2003). *Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education*. Jossey-Bass.

· Chingos, M. M., Whitehurst, G. J., & Gallaher, M. R. (2020). Teacher quality and student outcomes: A review of the evidence. *Education Next*, 20(1), 20-27.

· Darling-Hammond, L. (2000). Teacher quality and student achievement: A review of state policy evidence. *Education Policy Analysis Archives*, 8(1).

· Garrison, D. R., & Cleveland-Innes, M. (2005). Facilitating cognitive presence in online learning: Interaction is not enough. *The American Journal of Distance Education*, 19(3), 133-148.

· Krashen, S. D. (1985). *The Input Hypothesis: Issues and Implications*. Longman.

· Levy, M. (2009). *Technology in Language Teaching*. CUP.

· Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2010). Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies. *US Department of Education*.

· Song, L., Singleton, E. S., Hill, J. R., & Hwa, M. (2004). Improving online learning: Student perceptions of useful and challenging characteristics. *The Internet and Higher Education*, 7(1), 59-70.

· Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). *Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes*. Harvard University Press.