The beauty of the online universe is that the limitations of distance vanish.
But so too do traditional human interactions.
Written by: Liam Jon Pilmore
Reading time: 5 minutes
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Learning online is the new black. Fashionable, and undeniably practical. Whether you are learning Danish or coding, it almost seems peculiar considering going into a classroom.
As a private language teacher, I have taught people from all over the world. The beauty of the online universe is that the limitations of distance vanish.
The flexibility of online tuition alleviates the pressure of arriving on time, as well as the need to look presentable (at least from the waist down). It comes, however, at a cost.
When learning online we must sacrifice traditional human interaction: that which normally aids our learning. So how can you best learn online? And how can you build relationships with like-minded people, and how much time should you spend studying online?
Take it seriously
The first challenge of online Danish learning is commitment. When you’re at home, eating breakfast while taking an online class, you can inadvertently become lazy. Especially if your teacher has an untraditional approach.
But never misinterpret a unique approach for a lack of professionalism. Some of the best professionals I know have big personalities and strong online brands.
I’ve met all kinds of learners, too. From the super organized and enthusiastic, to the lethargic and somewhat disrespectful.
Just because you buy online lessons, doesn't mean you necessarily know is best for you.
The idea that everyone learns differently is a myth.
Presumably, you landed yourself a teacher with experience. Put faith in your teacher, but most importantly, show the same respect you would while attending a language school. The idea that everyone learns differently is a myth. There isn't any evidence to suggest that individual learning styles exist. We have different abilities, but how we learn is essentially then same.
Show up on time. Arrive five-ten minutes early. Be prepared. Take notes. Complete homework, ask questions and stay focused during class. We’re not robots, of course. Tiredness can set in. Life can get you down. Let honesty guide you. Engagement is the first key to success when learning Danish online.
Make it an everyday thing. Drop schedules.
One of the best ways to learn Danish online is to incorporate it into your everyday life. You don't necessarily need to sit down and study every day, but you need as much passive learning as possible.
A common method is scheduling. Writing something in your calendar such as a reminder to study can assist you greatly. The difference with passive learning is it's always in your schedule. All day, every day.
I talked about some of these ideas in my tips to learning Danish videos here and here, and one of the best takeaways from these videos is to put your phone in Danish. You know your phone well, the menus are universal, and you look at it often.
Extend that idea to Facebook and programs on your computer. You will sense some initial resistance, but soon enough you will start to forget your phone is in Danish.
Basically, to speak like a Dane, you must think like a Dane.
Follow pages a Dane would follow. Watch YouTube videos and movies a Dane would watch. Make food using Danish recipes, and if you drive a car, set your GPS to Danish. Basically, to speak like a Dane, you must think like a Dane.
Join a community
The DanishTube community is constantly growing. Some real friendships have come out of a shared interest in the Danish language. We learn a language, after all, in order to communicate and connect with others.
It's an individualistic process when your head is in a book or an iPhone. It’s easy to become consumed by your progress, especially upon comparing yourself to others. Comparison is simultaneously what motivates and demotivates us.
Community can work as a catalyst in improving your language skills, whereas comparison can do you a disservice.
In welcoming teamwork and friendships, you allow for healthy competition. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be the best, but they say if you’re the best in the dojo, you’re at the wrong dojo.
That being said, one of the best ways to learn is to engage with the learning community and thus build meaningful relationships out of it. DanishTubers meet Tuesdays and Thursdays at 20:30 on Skype. It’s a free meet-up to learn Danish and make new friends. Come and join us.
Someone once told me a great quote:
"You cannot compete with me, because I also want you to win.”
Community can work as a catalyst in improving your language skills, whereas comparison can do you a disservice. If you want to improve your online learning, you should consider fostering relationships offline. It will improve your language skills, as well as the quality of your life.
Listen to our chat on the importance of going offline
How friendship is the key to a happy life
Invest
You know it. Learning, progressing, gaining new skills. It will cost you. But it doesn't have to be expensive. Buy a subscription to TV2, or support a podcast you enjoy (shameless plug: you can become a patron of DanishTube Podcast and join our book club, Discord chat, get merchandise, slang and more).
Being in your community, learning from YouTube and reading free articles will get you far, but nothing will make you take things seriously (point one) like spending your hard earned bucks. Money is precious, having it is one thing, using it to improve your life, circumstances and abilities is another.
You will naturally learn best online if you take inspiration from various sources. This may require you to buy a course, a new book or a few language lessons. You will thus gain access to new and exciting content and stay engaged. There are only so many YouTube videos you can see before you start to get a bit bored.
Participate, celebrate, appreciate
Essentially, it’s about taking control and responsibility for your learning while also acknowledging your progress and efforts. One of the most common things I hear from learners is: “sorry for my bad Danish.” Don’t say it!
Don’t ever apologize for your language journey or for experiencing language barriers. You are participating and must continue to do it well with pride.
That is, ask the right questions: Questions such as: hvad siger du? hvad mener du? kan du gentage? should be used with curiosity. It’s okay to misunderstand, but no-one will repeat something unless you ask them.
From an online learning perspective that means taking it upon yourself to initiate all the above. Engagement, immersion, and actively participating in online discussions and communities, while investing your time and money naturally brings you success.
Only one thing left. Shoulders back, head high. Use the language and be proud of yourself for putting yourself out there.