Everyone agrees by now. Virtual classes - online language courses in groups from a distance - have many advantages: they save time, can be used for flexible forms of work such as teleworking, make maximum use of the trainer's time, international clients are reached, there is no travel and are thus more environmentally friendly too. However, the advantages that keep recurring are always of a practical nature. But they don't stop there.
We smash 5 persistent myths around virtual classrooms that we highlight from our own experience. As a spin-off of KU Leuven, science and language technology are in our genes. So we are also happy to implement scientific research from KU Leuven in your language training..
Myth 1: Virtual classes have only practical benefits, not didactic ones.
Virtual classes seem to be primarily a practical consideration. But the advantages are not only practical. They also allow us to use several trainers for one course, each with their own expertise. Negotiating? E-mailing? Or legal language? With one click, we invite experts to give a guest lesson within your training programme. Moreover, this can also be done across national borders.
And not just for trainers. In virtual classes, we also allow global teams to learn languages together. Do you need an international language policy, which we can roll out for you not only in Belgium but all over the world? Numerous remote language solutions can help you with this, from online language exercises with coaching to complete courses in virtual classes.
What we also take into account much better with virtual classes is your attention curve. You schedule shorter sessions, so the training is better spread out. This gives you a better chance of solid processing and ultimately on-the-job applications of your language training. You also schedule 30 or 45 minutes in your diary more easily. In the short term, it affects the agenda less, but in the longer term, the lesson will stick around longer and have more impact.
Had a moment of trouble keeping your attention anyway? That too is no problem! We often hear: "I wish my teacher had a rewind button". Well, in the case of virtual classes, your trainer effectively has one! We will record your class, and share the recording link with all those on and off afterwards.
With virtual classes, we implement a blended learning strategy in your lessons. Trainees add videos, the teacher shares the screen and sends you to the e-learning platform, all kinds of websites can be surfed in the system to make you more self-reliant on the job. Think of online dictionaries, translation sites, websites that conjugate verbs or media websites in simple language for non-native speakers.
Oral skills are of course also linked to a virtual classroom; as communication takes place via microphone. But your writing skills are also tested on the spot. You respond to questions from your language trainer via the chat box. In turn, your language trainer uses notes to jot down key phrases, correct mistakes and write down rules. You as a trainee see these notes and use them as reference points. Afterwards, your trainer forwards these notes to you, providing you with a mini tailored syllabus per course.
Mythe 2: Virtual classes are impersonal and boring.
We hear it often. Trainees fear that their virtual class will be impersonal and boring because, as a learner, you are "sitting alone behind your computer screen". Thanks to your webcam and microphone, however, you see and hear your fellow learners and language trainer loud and clear. Your trainer is aware of the virtual distance between you, and adjusts accordingly. Everyone is addressed and welcomed personally. There is also room for a chat before and after each virtual session.
Using break-out rooms, your trainer even places you separately with a fellow course member to work in pairs or small groups. That way, you aim for maximum interaction between yourself and other participants in the virtual class. Moreover, this also makes it easy to implement collaborative tasks within the virtual classroom.
Mythe 3: Virtual classes cause lower engagement among learners.
KU Leuven research shows that intrinsic engagement is indeed lower in virtual classrooms. But we do turn engagement in favour of virtual classes (although it is not a competition 😉 ).
Consider quizzes, for example, which play a crucial role in virtual sessions. They literally keep you 'on your toes'. We therefore build them in as much as possible. The quiz also immediately gives your trainer a good idea of the impact the lessons are having. Using a scoreboard, we see how many questions you answered correctly. And you also see your place on the scoreboard yourself. The internal competition brings a 'fun' element to the virtual classroom, which often creates a lot of atmosphere and hilarity.
Mythe 4: Virtual classes create a lot of work for trainers.
Not necessarily. Your trainer fully prepares your virtual class. And what's more, that preparation is also recycled for the next lesson! Moreover, BLCC also does teach-the-teacher, a training programme for trainers to make your virtual sessions a success.
Mythe 5: Virtual classes bring technical obstacles.
Technical problems are another major concern of many learners. Often unjustifiably so it turns out. For each virtual class, we organise a technical demo so that you and your team can fully test the tool. Does your camera work? Can everyone hear each other? Can you find everything?
Installing the class is also easy and free. Download the app or continue in your web browser. What's more, BLCC is on standby during your first session. Should problems still arise, we are happy to provide technical support.
Conclusion
In short, virtual classes fit perfectly into the Language Learning Mix that BLCC stands for. You therefore deploy them perfectly within a blended course, with a face-to-face contact moment at the beginning, middle and end of the course. Are you afraid of virtual classes? Then such a blend can certainly help you get over that threshold.
What we can say with certainty is that virtual classes - which are well prepared, dynamic and offer plenty of interaction - are an excellent format for your language classes. If you get over your initial trepidation and immerse yourself in the virtual classroom, you will definitely reap the benefits.
Contact
Totally convinced and interested in boosting your language level in a virtual course? Then get in touch with us!
