One thing we’re learning in the world today is that English is the most widely used international language. Everything from learning abroad to finding high-paying jobs, speaking English is essential, but English learning doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, to be truly proficient in the language and speak like a native English speaker, you need to do more than just study a few English movies, read English books or memorise the lyrics to English songs. While these are fine options when you’re starting, if you’re serious about learning English you need to know how to learn English online, and a step by step guide like this one will help you get started.
Step 1: Choose The Right Kind Of English
There are two main English languages spoken in the world – British English and American English. Other countries use a bit of both, like Canada and Australia, but most of the world will use one or the other.
British English is used by most of the world’s English speaking population, whereas American English is confined to the region. So, if you’re learning English to become a true global citizen and to give yourself access to international opportunities you’ll want to find an English online course that focuses on British English.
The most noticeable differences in British and American English would be the spelling, however, there are other differences that you’ll learn as you become an advanced learner of the language.
However, if you’re planning on moving to the US then finding an online school that teaches American English will be your preference.
Not to mention, even American’s love British English – especially the accent.
Step 2: Find A Reputable Online Source
If you hope to make sufficient progress learning English online and to improve your English skills you’ll need to find a reputable online school. Just like not all schools are created equal, there are more prestigious schools that have learners that excel in class and later in life, and then you have more average schools. That’s the same with online schools. But something you need to watch out for besides just getting an “average” school is scams.
There are enough online schools that don’t require their teachers to have the proper documentation or skills. There are also online schools that have just started and don’t offer any in-person classes. These are the types of schools you should avoid. Instead, choose an English online school that:
- Has in-person English classes as well as online classes
- Has been in business for years
- Has qualified and trained English teachers
- Offers support for their learners
- Has robust and exciting learning
- Offers after-support
The great thing is that our English online school offers all of that and more! Our students have become confident English speakers, and we pride ourselves on our ability to make anyone feel like a native English speaker.
Step 3: Purchase A Dictionary
What’s the one book with a lot of English words in it? An English dictionary!
Never underestimate the worth a dictionary has in helping you improve your language skills. The best dictionaries will be those aimed at beginners, or even children, and will help you build your English vocabulary quite quickly. It will also help you should you need to find the right word to complete a sentence or phrase. What’s more, you’ll find yourself using it more often than you could expect.
Step 4: Attend Lessons Live
The best way to learn online is to participate in the activities of your live classroom as they’re happening. This way you can ask questions if you get stuck, or if you want your teacher to clarify something they’ve said, that you didn’t quite get the first time around.
This really gives the feeling of being in a classroom and is absolutely beneficial. Plus, our teachers are extremely passionate about teaching English and helping you improve your skills.
Step 5: Find Some Staple Books
Just because you’re studying online doesn’t mean everything you do needs to be done online. There are many things you can do outside your digital classroom to expand on what you’ve learnt. One such way is to read!
Something adult learners frequently forget is that when learning something completely new like a second language, it helps going back to the basics. Besides purchasing a beginner-friendly dictionary you should look for English books most children and teens have used to develop their language skills.
There are a lot of good books that can help you practice, expand your vocabulary and improve your grammar. Additionally reading these books will help you become far more confident when speaking the language.
Start with the most simple books of all – children’s books. Then as you’ve come to grips with how sentences should be structured and have aced the pronunciation move onto teen books and so on. You don’t even need to get a children’s book if you’re going to be distracted by the illustrations, you can just get the text versions and read those aloud.
Step 6: Interact With Lecturers
Your teachers are there to help you advance your language abilities. So whenever possible interact with them. Ask questions, ask for advice, be open to their feedback – just engage with them and “pick their brains” about a language they’re passionate about. This adds to your online learning experience. You don’t just have to do this at the live lessons as we mentioned in Step 4, but if your teacher is willing you can use another platform to interact with them like Email, and even Whatsapp.
Step 7: Use a Text To Speech Narrator
Studying at 3 am? While it’s not advised it’s amazing when your desire to learn awakens. Also, when you’re studying online you could be in a completely different time zone to your teacher. What do you do in these situations?
Use a text to speech narrator. There are plenty of free to use text to speech narrators. And if you’re unsure about how to pronounce a word this will be your best option. Many native speakers use this sort of tool as well if they’re unsure about the pronunciation of a word. So, it’s definitely not something you should be afraid of doing or using.
Step 8: Practice What You’ve Learnt
When you learn English online – actually whenever you learn anything online for that matter – the first thing you’ll need to do is manage your time. Because you don’t have that classroom experience, with other classmates, and face-to-face interaction with a teacher it’s easy to fall behind on your workload, give up or stop practicing what you’ve learnt in your daily life. That’s something you should avoid altogether. What’s better is for you to spend valuable time doing any classwork as soon as you’re available.
The great thing about our online English course is your ability to have one-on-one practice sessions to ensure you’re truly grasping the language.
Another thing you should do is, once again, stay in constant communication with your teachers, possibly by email.
But, if all else fails ask your teachers for advice about what you can do in your circumstances to learn English faster and stay motivated. Plus, they may even give you some tips to help you manage your workload and stay motivated.
Step 9: Find Other Ways To Improve Your Language Skills
Once you’ve graduated from our exciting online program why not check out some just as exciting in-person options. This way you’re always improving your language learning skills and you’re able to excel wherever life takes you!
With all these steps out of the way, it’s time to actually learn how to speak English online. Why not start by signing up for our online course to get started on your journey to better English?