Despite the burgeoning implementation of LMS online language courses in school districts, the U.S. Department of Education reports that out of every 100 college credits taken in the U.S., only 8.6 are for a language class. On the other hand, a recent Eurobarometer survey tells us that about 56% of Europeans have at least one second language. It’s an unfortunate truth: the U.S. places far behind other countries in second-language acquisition.
The U.S. is among the most well-off nations on the planet, with access to the best technology. Given this, 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 in a category of their own. Unlike many other topics which survive on paper, language needs to come off the page, into the student’s head, and out of the mouth–often.
In order to gain full mastery over a language, a whole lot of word and sound repetition is required. 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. For this reason, blended language learning is best. And truly, most e-learning works best with complemented by face-to-face education.
When well-maintained, an LMS online language course is effective. Particularly for high schools, LMS online language courses help solve many problems facing schools today, such as: scant language course offerings, language teacher shortages, a lack of interest in traditional language acquisition, the rise in home-schooling and lack of AP classes in some areas, and the lack of physical space and funding.
When required interaction and language practice with other students is online, shyer students may feel more comfortable. Online programs like VoIP services, LMSs, podcasts, instant messaging, and screen and audio recordings are just a few ways language students can apply and practice their second tongues.