Why Learning a Language Online Works: The Benefits of Distance Learning

How Online Language Courses Turn Independent Distance Learners into Fluent Linguists

By Ségolène Armour

The National Extension College (NEC) Lead Tutor for French and Spanish, Ségolène Armour, explores why the structure and expert tutor support when studying a language through online distance learning works and helps turn independent learners into fluent linguists.

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“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.” – Chinese proverb

This proverb beautifully captures the essence of language learning. We do not simply learn the mechanics of a language; we also discover the rich culture, society, and traditions that shape the people who speak it.

How to Become a Confident Linguist

If you are a language lover like me, you are driven by an intrinsic motivation to grow into a confident linguist. We equip ourselves with the right resources, do what it takes to make progress, and surround ourselves with people who inspire and support us on our journey. We see grammar as an exciting challenge and embark on the language learning journey with enthusiasm, tackling texts and audio extracts with determination and embracing every opportunity to learn. Through travel, social media interactions, and conversations with native speakers, we broaden our horizons, strengthen our social connections, and often end up making friends from all around the world.

The Benefits of Language Learning for Personal Development

What’s more, language learning can have a profoundly positive impact on our personal development. It nurtures empathy towards other cultures and traditions. When we immerse ourselves in the world of Albert Camus’s L’Étranger, we are invited to experience a reality far removed from our own. As we read chapter after chapter, we can almost feel the oppressive heat of Algiers and attempt to understand Meursault’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. 

Similarly, Au revoir les enfants transports us to Nazi-occupied France, where we follow the friendship between Julien Quentin and Jean Bonnet. Through their experiences, we gain insight into the fear, uncertainty, and moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people during the war. Such encounters with literature and film allow us to step into other people’s lives and perspectives, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

How to Learn a Language Successfully: Important Skills and Habits

But there is more to language learning than cultural discovery. It also develops resilience and metacognitive skills. Who has not struggled with the vast range of tenses in French and Spanish, or the declension tables in German? 

Language lovers persevere. They:

• learn the rules
• practise repeatedly
• create mind maps
• and experiment with memory techniques until the language begins to stick. 

The desire to communicate effectively drives us forward. We strive not merely to speak another language, but to become thoughtful and confident communicators.

How Language Learning Could Boost Your Career

Language learning is also a powerful skill in the world of work. Combining diplomas in business, engineering, law, sciences, arts and tourism with languages provides a promising future for us, language lovers. Employers view us as real assets for their businesses. 

For example, Michael Mackenzie, vice-president of Land Transportation Systems at Thales Canada declares that it is a real asset to have a multilingual workforce. With clients based in, for example, Asia or the Middle East, Thales provide a competitive advantage because:  

“Our staff understand their cultures and values and can speak the local language fluently. It’s critical that our customers trust our understanding. Such capabilities allow us to remove barriers and better understand and provide solutions that meet their unique needs.” – Michael Mackenzie

READ MORE ABOUT WHERE STUDYING A LANGUAGE COULD TAKE YOU.

Why Study a Language Through Distance Learning?

So, if you are motivated and wish to learn another language, distance learning is a route you may want to consider. My own experience of distance learning has always been positive. I studied with the Open University, where I completed a degree, and I also completed the Spanish GCSE and Spanish A level courses through distance learning.

One of the greatest advantages is the flexibility distance learning offers. You can balance your studies alongside work, childcare, and other daily commitments. It is a fantastic option that allows you to develop your skills and gain qualifications without being bound to a strict timetable or the need to attend classes in person.

Studying French Through Online Learning: One Student’s Story

One of my students, Colette, who has just completed her AS level French exams, expressed her desire to continue with the A2 because she really loved the way we teach the course at NEC: 

“Coming back into learning French after a gap of over 40 years since my O level was a big step for me but finding the online AQA AS/A level French course with the National Extension College was a revelation.

“Before discovering the NEC, I found that whilst there is a wealth of opportunity for language learning online, what was often missing was the structure of a more formal framework. Discovering the NEC course was fantastic as it provided the structure and support I needed and with the bonus of working towards a recognised academic qualification.” – Colette

“The course is self-paced and guided me through the AQA AS French level syllabus with regular tutor marked assignments, optional quizzes and additional resources, all of which encouraged my engagement and prompted me to do further independent study on French websites. 

The support I received from my tutor, Ségolène Armour, was invaluable. Not only did Ségolène provide excellent feedback on Assignments, but she also introduced me to modern learning methodologies such as spaced repetition, flashcards, and knowledge organisers – all of which never even existed in my schooldays! Creating knowledge organisers helped enormously with my revision.

 “I have really enjoyed learning with NEC immensely and highly recommend it. The course content focussing on French Culture and Society is engaging. I was motivated throughout and really benefited from the tutor support to such an extent that I signed up to continue the course up to A level only the day after completing my AS exams.” – Colette

How Learning a Language with NEC Works

At the National Extension College (NEC), we offer flexible online courses designed to fit around your life. Earlier in this blog, I mentioned the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who can support us on our learning journey. At the NEC, you will work closely with a tutor – a qualified teacher with many years of experience. In addition, our dedicated Course Advice and Student Support teams are always on hand to assist you – from finding out more about the course and online distance learning to navigating the learning platform.

The Three Key Stages of Learning a Language Online

The support does not stop there. The online courses themselves have been carefully designed to help you succeed. Your language learning journey follows three key stages:

• Presentation of language and grammar concepts – developed by language specialists.
• Structured practice – through a combination of expert input, modelling, and online learning resources.
• Guided independent work – that encourages learners to apply their knowledge with increasing confidence.

This approach ensures that you are supported every step of the way as you build confidence and progress towards greater independence. Each module includes regular formative assessment opportunities, such as grammar and vocabulary quizzes, allowing you to monitor your progress and take ownership of your learning.

Resources and Support Available to NEC’s Online Language Learners

Once a year, you can also attend live Masterclass sessions led by myself. These focused sessions provide expert guidance on key topics and include clear methodologies, worked examples, and model responses for oral examinations.

You are not alone on your learning journey. Our discussion forums provide an excellent opportunity to share written work, receive feedback from tutors, engage with fellow learners, and ask questions. These forums help to recreate many of the collaborative benefits of classroom learning.

Perhaps most excitingly, you will take part in interactive speaking sessions with your tutor. Based on typical examination-style questions, these sessions allow you to practise your speaking skills in a supportive environment and receive immediate, personalised feedback.

How NEC’s Language Tutors Help You Succeed as an Online Learner

The learning platform learn@nec also includes a wide range of study guides, covering topics from answering grammar questions in the IGCSE writing paper to planning an Independent Research Project.

Many of my own students have asked for guidance on areas such as:

• time management
• strategies for effective vocabulary learning
• and research techniques.

As tutors, we are very much your first port of call for advice, encouragement, and support throughout your studies.

Let us now take a closer look at the courses NEC offers and how they support online learners in achieving their goals.

Online IGCSE French and Spanish Courses for Independent Learners

Nothing gives the best foundation course to a language than the IGCSE French and IGCSE Spanish courses. 

They provide learners with a structured introduction to the key skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while also developing a solid understanding of grammar and vocabulary. 

The topics are fun and engaging:

• discussing your taste in films and TV programmes
• comparing life in the town and life in the countryside
• reading about sports personalities
• researching a country of your choice and explaining why you would like to go on holiday there.  

The speaking exam is where a language truly comes alive, making up 25% of the final grade at IGCSE level.

Online A level French and Spanish Courses for Independent Learners

The A level French and A level Spanish courses are also very exciting and stimulating courses designed to develop high-level fluency, cultural awareness, and critical thinking. 

The speaking exam is where a language truly comes alive, making up 30% of the final grade at A level. It challenges you to draw upon your secure knowledge of the topics, the grammar and the vocabulary in order to think critically about contemporary issues such as: 

• the change in family structures
• the impact of multiculturalism on society
• and whether the voting age should be lowered to 16. 

You will need to engage in extensive reading and research, developing your ability to identify issues, analyse different perspectives  and express well-reasoned views. You will also learn to provide useful evidence to back up your arguments.

Units of Work and an Independent Research Project: How NEC’s Online French and Spanish A levels Develop Your Language Learning Skills

The NEC online A level courses provide you with plenty of opportunities to apply your critical thinking skills. Comprehensive study guides are integrated in the units of work, and they give you practical advice and a wide range of higher order questions to engage your brain!  For example, within the topic of criminality, students are invited to consider questions such as: Can training and rehabilitation programmes prevent reoffending? Exploring issues like this encourages deeper analysis and helps develop the evaluative skills required for success at A level and beyond.

Another exciting component of the A level course is the Independent Research Project. Students are required to choose an engaging topic related to their personal interests and investigate it in depth. Students may explore a novel, a sporting event, new legislation, or a historical event in a country where the target language is spoken. This project provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your research, communication, and presentation skills while exploring a topic that genuinely interests you.

How Distance Learning Students Take Language Speaking Exams

One of the biggest challenges for independent language students in the UK who are studying by distance learning is simply finding a place to take their speaking exam, as many standard centres turn private candidates away. Studying with NEC means you have access to our network of exam centres.

By partnering with dedicated exam centres, NEC handles the logistics and booking for both oral and written exams. This means NEC students don’t have to worry about the “where” or “how” but can just focus on finding their voice and enjoying the language.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TAKING EXAMS AS AN NEC STUDENT.

Conclusion: Why Learning a Language Opens Up New Opportunities

To conclude, the opportunities you get when you are bilingual or multilingual are endless. Not only does it enhance memory and problem-solving skills but it also develops a vital empathy towards other cultures and traditions. 

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate in more than one language is a valuable asset that can open doors to further education, travel, and exciting career opportunities. 

At NEC, we are fully committed to supporting you in achieving your language learning goals and helping you turn your aspirations into reality. The journey may be challenging at times, but the rewards are truly worthwhile. 

We’ll support you fully to achieve your dream and ensure you meet Your Goals, Your Way.

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Inspired to Learn a Language? Study French or Spanish Online with NEC

If Ségolène’s blog has inspired you to learn a language, check out our GCSE and A level courses.

Our friendly Course Advce Team would love to tell you more about our online distance learning courses and answer any questions. Make sure to get in touch if you want to find out more.

You may also find the information on these organisations websites helpful:

Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL) 

Association for Language Learning (ALL)

European Day of languages