5 Benefits of Learning English on Skype
We are in the 21st century. The ability to teleport is not quite ready yet, but we do have the next best thing – the internet. In particular, Skype. Using Skype and internet resources gives us a world of information, resources and understanding at our fingertips, it would be a shame to ignore it!
Nowadays, it is very easy to find the answer to a question within minutes, or even to talk to a friend on the other side of the world. Learning English on Skype has never been easier. No matter where you are in the world, you can connect and learn in a way we have never experienced before. So let’s get started!
No need to travel
It is very likely that, if you are on the internet then you are either using a computer, laptop or mobile phone. That is all you need to be able to connect, which most of us can do from home or work. Even if you do not have any English teachers (or even English speakers) near to where you are, you can find them online.
This is perfect not only for those of us with busy schedules who can only fit in time to study in our lunch breaks or on the way home from work, as it means we can log on and immediately be available, rather than risk skipping lunch or getting stuck in traffic.
Flexible and adaptable
As you will not need to travel, learning English on Skype is much more flexible and adaptable, both on your side and on your English conversation partner’s side. If something happened last minute, such as an accident or an emergency meeting at work, your speaking partner will already be online to see your message about not being able to attend the lesson. That, and all of us can find a spare 30 minutes during the day where we can learn English. Some people may choose to do their household chores whilst studying, others may be on their way to meet their friend. Whenever you have a spare moment and internet access, you can be learning English on Skype.
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Easy to utilise technology
Considering we are already connected and online, it is very easy to use this technology effectively to better explain our ideas, opinions and feelings. It takes just a few moments to find a link and send to your English conversation partner, to show them exactly what that place in the mountains looks like.
If you struggle with pronunciation or even remembering words, you could even record parts of your conversation to refer back to later. On Skype, utilising the message window is important, as it is great for making notes, visualising words and is easy to refer back to once the lesson is over!
Chat with native English speakers easily, wherever you are
Sometimes it is difficult to find people to practice with, especially if there are not many native English speakers in your country, or if they are very expensive and busy. Sometimes you may have to travel far out of your way just to meet them, potentially wasting another two hours from your day. The best thing about talking with native English speakers via Skype is that you can find and connect with them easily. More often than not, they are still in their native countries so can easily give you insight to current affairs and opinions as they unfold.
It also seems that, when talking with natives speakers who live in their home country, they are more up-to-date with current idioms and slang. This may not always be the most useful thing about learning English, but it is certainly helpful to at least understand what these things mean, especially if you travel often. Plus, it’s fun!
Refer back to your lessons easily
What is worse than concentrating hard on your lesson, only to seemingly forget everything immediately afterwards? The good thing about learning English on Skype is you can make notes and even record your conversations to be able to come back to afterwards (make sure you double-check with your English conversation partner that it’s okay to record them though!). This is probably one of the most effective ways to learn, because you can listen back to how you are speaking and will be aware of what mistakes you are making and when.
It is also really helpful for improving your pronunciation, as the difference between your voice and your native English conversation partner’s voice will be more obvious since our voices always sound different when recorded anyway. That, and any links to helpful resources or even the articles and TED talks you use for conversation topics, will all be collected in one place for you to find later!
