One of the first things people try when learning a new language is to just rely on free online sources. There are plenty of them, after all. However, are they really enough to help you learn the language adequately?
After having searched through Youtube and similar video sites, numerous language training websites, vocabulary-building Flash games, language blogs, slideshow tutorials and other resources, I’m confident there is enough material online to get you up to a high level of skill. Problem is, the material is generally disorganized and you’ll have to work twice as hard to sort out what you need to work on.
If you enjoy designing your own language learning program, digging through gigabytes of content and figuring things out on your own, then using free online resources will probably be good enough for you. Do note that you’ll have to do your own research about strategies and approaches to use, too, so it’s more than just sitting back and taking in lessons — you end up being the one preparing your lesson plans, as well.
Contrast that to picking up a language software package where everything has been prepared for you. All you have to do is sit back, follow the lessons and perform the prescribed exercises. Can you learn a new language relying on just free online sources? Most definitely. Will you have an easy time doing it? Um…
Related posts:
