Learning English Online

Internet users are discovering a new way to learn English. But is the Internet a good place to learn a foreign language?

Click. Click. Click. My fingers type busily as I chat with my classmate, Tania, about our latest assignment. I’ve never met Tania, but we are enrolled in the same online course. We live in different countries and different time zones, but share the same “class.”

In recent years, learning through the Internet has become increasingly popular — especially among English learners. More and more people around the world are going online to study English. Hundreds of free Web sites have made learning English more convenient — and cheaper — than ever before.

You can listen to an audio file on the Internet and then take a multiple-choice quiz. Click. Within seconds, your listening comprehension results appear. You can discuss articles and grammar problems with other students. You can even learn grammar or vocabulary with fun online games.

Learning online also offers more flexibility. You learn according to your own schedule — not the teacher’s schedule.

But is studying online an effective way to learn English? That depends on your needs and learning style. It’s certainly not the right choice for everyone.

The Internet is a great tool for improving reading and listening comprehension. Students who want to focus on these two skills may want to take advantage of these online opportunities.

The Internet also creates a “safe environment” for English learners to speak their mind. Eunice, a 20-year-old Chinese student, says, “When I use the Internet, I am not scared to ask questions. I ask and get answers.” Eunice is not alone. Many Chinese feel too intimidated or shy to ask questions during class. But online, nobody knows who you are.

Few Web sites, however, correct students’ writing or pronunciation. These English skills are best learned in a real classroom. Some computer programs can help with pronunciation, too.

The flexibility of online learning also creates special challengers for English learners. It takes discipline to learn a language on your own. Only highly self-motivated students will get the most out of Internet learning.

So is online learning right for you? Before you answer, know what English skills you most want to focus on improving. And be honest with yourself about how you learn.

• intimidate 威嚇;脅迫 : The three big dogs intimidated the boy, and he started crying.
• get the most out of something 盡量利用;得到最大效益 : Tim planned his Germany trip carefully. He wanted to get the most out of his vacation.