akamonkai_online What are online Japanese lessons?
Online Japanese lessons are, as the name says, a method of studying the Japanese language online. The feature of these services is that you can learn Japanese at home, in a cafe, or anywhere else you want, using the Internet. You can use a variety of learning materials such as text, video, and audio through online platforms and applications to study. There are also services that offer real-time lessons and self-study courses.
Types of online Japanese lessons
There are multiple types of companies and services for learning Japanese online.
There are three major types of study methods: group lessons, one-on-one lessons, and e-learning. We will explain the characteristics of each style and their pros and cons.
1) Online group lessons
Online group lessons are a learning method in which several to a dozen students take lessons together online. One teacher often leads and manages the progress of the entire class.
This format is similar to group lessons that take place in a physical classroom, but they are conducted online, so there are no geographical restrictions. Students participate in the lesson through video conferencing tools or dedicated educational platforms.
2) Online one-on-one lessons
The online one-on-one lesson format is a style in which one teacher provides lessons to one learner. In this format, instruction is customized to the learner’s needs and level. Learners and teachers communicate in real time through video calls to facilitate effective learning.
3) E-learning
The e-learning format is a format in which the learner progresses at their own pace using online courses or applications. A variety of learning resources are offered, including video lessons, audio materials, and interactive quizzes. In many cases, courses are pre-recorded, allowing learners to study whenever they want.
The pros and cons of online group lessons
Three pros of online group lessons
Pro 1: Increased communication opportunities
By interacting with other students, you can practice communicating using the language. Through practical activities such as group discussions and pair work, you can hone your natural language proficiency. Also, since you are not learning alone, you will be able to maintain your motivation.
Pro 2: Lower cost than individual lessons
Compared to individual lessons, the cost is often lower, so the financial burden is reduced. It is especially cost-effective when learning continues over a long period of time.
Pro 3: Learning from diverse perspectives
By hearing the questions and opinions of other learners, you can gain new perspectives and understanding. Interaction among learners with different backgrounds and experiences enriches what you learn.
Three cons of online group lessons
Con 1: Limits to individual guidance
Because teachers teach several learners at once, it is difficult for them to provide detailed support for individual needs. This can lead to inadequate support, especially when individual instruction is required for specific skills or tasks.
2: Constraints on pace of progression
Progress may be too slow or too fast due to the need to match the pace of the entire class. If there are variations in individual learning speed and comprehension, it is difficult to maintain a pace that satisfies everyone. Some companies and services allow you to change classes and courses according to your level, so switch to the class or course that best suits your level.
Con 3: Fixed schedule
Flexibility may be limited due to the need to attend the lessons at fixed times. In particular, if your work or other schedule is irregular, it may be difficult to participate.
The pros and cons of online one-on-one lessons
Three pros of online one-on-one lessons
Pro 1: Individual guidance
Instruction can be tailored to the learner’s pace and learning style. Teachers can identify learners’ strengths and weaknesses and provide specific advice and support based on this information.
Pro 2: Flexible schedule
Lesson dates and times are often flexible, allowing learners to create a learning plan that fits their schedule. In particular, learners can make use of pockets of time in their busy daily lives in order to study.
Pro 3: Rapid progress
Intensive learning allows students to acquire skills efficiently. Immediate feedback from the teacher and the provision of exercises and assignments tailored to the learner’s needs allow for progress to be made in a short period of time.
XX cons of online one-on-one lessons
Con 1: High cost
The cost is often higher than group lessons, which may result in a greater financial burden. In particular, costs may accumulate when taking individual lessons over a long period of time.
Con 2: Few opportunities for socializing
Because there is little interaction with other learners, individual lessons are not suitable for those who like group learning activities and discussions. If you are looking for a social learning environment, you may find individual lessons lacking.
Con 3: Dependence on the quality of the teacher
Finding the right teacher is important because the quality of a teacher and their compatibility with you greatly affects learning effectiveness. If you are not compatible with a teacher, your motivation to learn may decrease due to the absence of other students.
The pros and cons of e-learning
Two pros of e-learning
Pro 1: Flexibility
You can study according to your own schedule and at any place and time. It is particularly suitable for busy people as they can make their study plans according to their work and family commitments.
Pro 2: Cost-effectiveness
In many cases, the relatively low cost of the service reduces the financial burden. There are also a wide variety of free resources available, allowing you to learn effectively while keeping costs down.
Three cons of e-learning
Con 1: Hard to develop communication skills
Because communication with other learners and teachers does not occur, it can be difficult to acquire practical communication skills. Due to the nature of language learning, the difficulty in developing practical communication skills in that language can be said to be the biggest disadvantage of e-learning type lessons.
Con 2: Lack of immediate feedback
Because there is often no direct feedback from the teacher, it can take time to correct mistakes. Real-time instruction is especially important when honing pronunciation and conversation skills.
Con 3: Need for self-discipline
You learn all by yourself, so self-management is difficult, and maintaining motivation is a challenge. A strong will to make a learning plan and stick to it is required.
Summary of online Japanese lessons
As shown above, there are several major formats for online language learning: online group lessons, online one-on-one lessons, and e-learning. Each has its own characteristics and pros and cons, and it is important to select the most appropriate method according to the learner’s needs and style. Make an effective learning plan that fits your learning goals and lifestyle, and take full advantage of the benefits of online learning.