Geek Online English Speaking

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

The first step to English language study in the United States is researching your options to find a program that best fits your needs.

The United States is the top destination for international students interested in learning English or improving their English language skills. There is a lot to consider when thinking about English language learning in the United States, and your EducationUSA adviser can help make sure you find the right Intensive English Program (IEP) for you.

English Language Curriculum

English language courses in the United States range from beginner level for those who have never studied the language, to advanced courses for students preparing for academic study or employment in the United States.

Some language programs focus exclusively on English for academic purposes. Other programs serve as preparation for specific examinations or English skills for the workplace. Consult your nearest EducationUSA advising center for guidance on the English language tests that are the best fit for your goals.

Some U.S. colleges and universities offer “bridge” or “pathway” programs that allow students to build English language proficiency while also earning academic credit toward their degrees and/or that facilitate direct transfer into an academic program after achieving sufficient language proficiency. Students interested in such programs should consult with an EducationUSA adviser and/or the college or university to which they plan to apply.

Types of Online English Courses

When you’re learning in a classroom, you usually learn in a very specific way. You sit, listen to a teacher at the front and take notes or ask questions.

However, your online English learning can be carried out quite differently.

Let’s go over some of the most common styles of online courses.

Asynchronous online courses

“Asynchronous” is a fancy word that means “not happening at the same time.” So, an asynchronous course is one that is available to you whenever. You don’t have to get lessons at a certain time or date.

The English learning material is made available either all at once or on set dates. You can view the content whenever you want and complete any given assignments. They may or may not be reviewed by whoever is providing the material.

Asynchronous courses are popular because it works with the one of the greatest advantages of online education: the ability to get your learning done on your own time. These courses often use pre-recorded videos or prepared lecture notes for their lessons.

While you’re allowed to study at your own time, you personally have to remember deadlines for any assignments. That’s why it’s important to be organized when taking asynchronous courses.

Synchronous online courses

Synchronous online English courses are the opposite of asynchronous ones. You can think of them as the classic classroom experience—just virtual.

Synchronous online English courses require real-time interaction with your instructor and sometimes, fellow classmates. The English lessons would be taught live, so you have to be around at a specific time or date for them.

Most synchronous courses would be held with video conferences or live streams. If you enjoy having a schedule for your online English lessons and you like live interaction, then synchronous online courses might be for you!

Keep in mind also that some online courses can combine synchronous and asynchronous qualities. An English course like this may have scheduled live lessons, but also let you study the material whenever you want.

MOOCs

MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Course. What that means is that it’s a course given on the internet, usually at the college level, that’s open for anyone to enroll (become a student). Many times, these courses are taught by real university professors, and they’re usually free.

MOOCs are a great choice to help you improve your English language skills. These courses are a fantastic way to take a real class taught by a real teacher but without having to actually go to a university.

Millions of people are using MOOCs now because it offers a lot of advantages.

Here are some of the benefits of taking an open online course!

• It’s free!

• It’s online, so you can learn from anywhere.

• Many times, you can earn a certificate that shows you completed a course.

• The course is often taught by real professors from actual universities. You can even take a course from a Harvard professor for free!

• You can drop out anytime. Unlike with an actual university, it doesn’t matter if you suddenly don’t have enough time to finish your class. You can start and stop anytime and you won’t lose anything.

• Did we mention it’s free?

MOOCs are a pretty new idea, but already there are a lot of places you can find them online. Some websites have paid courses as well, and some even give college credit.