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Learning a new language opens doors to unique ways of thinking and feeling, deeply rooted in culture. As teachers, we have the privilege of guiding learners to these insights, helping them broaden their worldview.

When I first moved to Japan, I was struck by concepts like?wa?(ºÍ, social harmony),?enryo?(ßh, restraint out of respect)?and?gaman?(ÎÒÂý, patient endurance). Discovering these ideas was energizing?and made learning Japanese feel like more than just mastering a new language ¨C it was about embracing a vibrant culture.

I soon found?that many expats shared similar experiences. In my first year teaching in Japan, over 40 years ago, I met Marc Helgesen at one of the first JALT meetings. We connected over our shared interest in developing a revolutionary approach to language teaching in Japan ¨C a kind of?kakushin?(¸ïÐÂ), or innovation, that challenged the status quo.

Our collaboration led to many teaching experiments and, eventually, the publication of English Firsthand as a single-level course in 1985.

The technological component of learning is constantly growing. More and more classes are taking place online ¨C yet rather than simply being a substitute for classroom courses, they can be blended with a classroom-based approach. This often offers students a more engaging and motivating experience. This post talks about the advantages of online learning, why teachers find it useful and why students enjoy it.

Distance learning versus classroom courses

Typically, there are two sets of teachers interested in experimenting with online teaching:

• Those who are considering using distance learning courses for students who can¡¯t attend classes.
• Those who are looking to supplement their classroom teaching with more interactive, or personalized online components.

Yet regardless of the category they fall into, they¡¯ll often ask: ¡°What can distance learning courses provide that classroom courses can¡¯t?¡±.

And this is the right question to ask. Looking at the relative advantages of online courses helps us discern what is the best use of classroom time for learning and what is the best use of online time for learning.

Knowing this allows us to make better decisions about how and when to use online learning. Instead of simply adopting an online course, adding online components just because they look attractive, or using great technology just because it alleviates scheduling problems, we can choose them for the added value they provide.

The strengths of classroom-based learning versus online learning

The strengths of a classroom-based course are:

1. Easier community building.
2. Direct access to a live teacher for inspiration, guidance and feedback.
3. More 'live' opportunities for communicative practice with other students.
4. Provision of a structured schedule.

As for the strengths of a distance learning course, the following come to mind. They:

1. Provide easier access to course resources.
2. Offer greater convenience for the teacher and learner, and offer flexibility in scheduling.
3. Can be personalized ¨C that is, teachers can cater to each student¡¯s proficiency level and learning goals by delivering different online resources (including videos, readings, and listenings) to individual students so they can work on them in their own time.

However, distance learning courses have some less obvious advantages, too. Distance learning courses have shown the following trends, which have completely changed the way to see and use online learning:

Increased engagement

Number one is the rise in engagement. A well-designed distance course is aimed directly at the individual learner: there is much more practice time and immediate feedback, particularly for listening and speaking tasks. We often find that shy students and those who feel unable to participate in a classroom environment are more willing to engage with the teacher and other students in online courses.

Improved concentration

Secondly, online courses improve concentration, which, as all teachers know, is a continual problem in classrooms. Rather than being directed on what to do, students working online can select what activities to engage in, for how long, and in what sequence, which helps them stay focused.

Easier assessment

The third advantage, which is vital for a teacher, is the ease and fluidity of tracking progress. In classrooms, it¡¯s hard to track how students progress over a whole semester, much less in each class. In online distance learning, you get constant monitoring of how well students are doing on individual tasks and progress checks, no matter what learning management system you¡¯re using.

Why learners choose online courses

We¡¯ve seen the potential reasons teachers may incorporate distance learning materials. But why do learners choose online courses over classroom ones?

Choice is an important aspect of ¨C and the only way that students are going to learn is if they feel engaged. Give them choices in activities, homework, schedules, tests and even grading.

For example, if teaching a class on human rights, in which students watch a short video and write a text, you could give students a choice of two videos, rather than directing them to watch a particular video. And in an exam, maybe offer a choice of different reading materials or essay topics to write on.

What¡¯s more, giving students a choice of a distance learning course over a classroom course, a blended classroom online course, or even a choice of activities can improve motivation and increase engagement. Just make sure not to overwhelm them with too many choices!