Currently, and as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, the offer of online classes has skyrocketed. Now, because of this (although we had previously seen it to a lesser extent), we find that many academies offer their English classes in this modality or in person. Although both are valid and practical depending on various circumstances, we will analyze which is more advisable, or if both are suitable, depending on the student's needs.
Points to consider when choosing the most suitable course option for your English course.
There are several factors to consider when choosing whether to take your English classes in person or online, such as time, price, effectiveness, etc. We've summarized them below:
- Time you have for your classes
In a society that is stressed and rushed, time is precious and should not be wasted under any circumstances. That's why many people choose the online option, as you spend less time getting home, turning on the computer, and taking your English class than traveling to an English academy. Remember that there are people who decide to learn the language as adults, with varied work schedules, children, etc., and can't afford to spend extra time going to an English academy. English academy in Cartagena or wherever.
2. Comfort when receiving classes
If we can choose between teaching a class in your pajamas at home with a cup of coffee if you like, or teaching it at a school, I think most of us would stick with online classes again. Especially considering that the chairs in schools, high schools, academies, etc., aren't exactly comfortable.
3. Price of English classes
This depends largely on the English language school, whether the teacher is a native speaker, and the number of hours of class per week. Private lessons with a native English teacher will cost approximately €15 or €20 per hour, while at an English language school, you'll pay around €25 per hour for a class like this, as the school is responsible for the costs of the premises, energy, and equipment.
4. Learning quality
There are different opinions on this matter, as there are teachers who prefer the English classes in person (the vast majority) and others who prefer them online.
Some professionals claim that taking students out of their "comfort zone" is very helpful so they don't feel restricted by the fact that they're in their own country, with people who speak their language, and where the foreigner is the teacher. The student goes from speaking Spanish to being "forced" to speak English, which strengthens their oral communication skills.
On the other hand, virtually all teachers agree that one of the fundamental foundations of learning is the ability to interact and express oneself with others. In this sense, In-person classes are very suitable for leaving shame aside. of holding a conversation in English with another person, and that insecurity most of us have when it comes to doing so. Through practice and effort, anything can be achieved.
It's true that having an online group English class has the advantage that Spanish isn't spoken because students can't hold conversations with each other, but it can lead to distraction and lack of concentration due to having more distractions available.
5. Screen time
We're spending more and more time in front of a screen, and this is a reality. This leads to vision problems, back problems, sleep disturbances, and much more. One of the few areas of our lives that wasn't excessively "contaminated" by technology was teaching. But in the wake of the pandemic, English classes and all other subjects were taught entirely online.
For health reasons, spending so much time in front of a screen isn't healthy, and in this case, in-person English classes are winning the battle. Spending too much time in front of a screen is exhausting, as our brains get to a point where they shut down, and we don't learn as well; it's harder for us.
6. Contact with the teacher
Although this is a very general topic, and teachers come in all types and in all fields, it's true that having direct, close contact with your teacher is much more effective when it comes to asking questions and learning in general. Having a professional nearby with whom you can express your doubts and concerns about the language, and being close to them, is not only necessary but also very successful in terms of student disposition. Taking an online class, where communication with the teacher isn't as fluid, where we sometimes feel self-conscious about being in front of a camera in front of our classmates, isn't the same as having them in front of you and asking you questions or giving you the confidence and comfort to speak and express yourself freely.
So, in conclusion, there is no single English class option that is better than another. Ideally, they should be combined, but many factors come into play when choosing one or the other. For some people, online English classes are more suitable, due to their lifestyle, which is less flexible for in-person learning, or due to other personal circumstances. For others, in-person learning is better due to the closeness and contact with both the teacher and classmates with whom they can practice the language.