How Online Chinese Courses Make Learning Accessible to All
Students who learn Chinese outside the classroom rarely get the credit they deserve. This is despite dedicating many hours each week to the language, often more than a student in a formal course.
One way to change this is by taking an online Chinese course for college credit. These courses offer the following advantages:
Learn at your own pace.
Online learning tools offer a variety of options for students at all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, resources are available to help you learn Mandarin at your own pace and budget.
One popular resource offers several Chinese reading, speaking, and character courses to help students learn independently. Lessons are all video-based and feature a native speaker as the instructor. It also provides downloadable PDF lesson notes, quizzes, and flashcards.
Another online learning tool uses a progressive audio course to teach new vocabulary and build an understanding of grammatical structures. Its lessons start entirely in English and slowly introduce new characters as you listen and repeat them. The program also recycles words and phrases from earlier lessons, which helps reinforce new material without the boredom of rote repetition.
For those who prefer a more interactive experience, there are podcasts. Both podcasts feature native speakers and are geared to various levels of Mandarin. Another great option is the app, which features an extensive database of Chinese words and can be used to practice pronunciation on the go.
Many people find learning a language through listening more accessible than other methods. This is because spoken words have more meaning and are more memorable than written ones. For this reason, focusing on listening and reading first is recommended when learning Mandarin from the best Chinese courses online.
Learn from the comfort of your home.
The flexibility of online education allows you to learn at your convenience, anytime, and from any location. For many students, this means the comfort of their own home. This flexibility allows learners of all ages, whether children or adults, to get the most out of their Chinese learning.
There are many different ways to study Chinese using online resources; these range from basic pronunciation aid applications to extensive courses suitable for all levels of ability. There are free and paid options.
Courses offer free audio podcasts that sound more like conversations with friends and a podcast that focuses on improving conversational abilities. Meanwhile, more academic resources provide HSK-level tutorial videos.
Similarly, one offers an immersive experience that treats language as a song and is suited to people who only need to focus on pronunciation. Its price tag is steeped at $197.
Another unique resource that teaches Chinese through stories is one of the most natural ways humans learn languages. You may always find fresh lessons to learn from it because its content is updated frequently. Similarly, more high-tech options that use AI to supplement your studies and provide gamified experiences.
Learn with other students.
Many learners enroll in courses to earn academic credits, which can help them get into university programs or open doors for their professional careers. They might also need to prove their learning by passing proficiency exams like the HSK or TOCFL.
There are various options for learners who want to take online Chinese courses, whether they’re looking for a full-blown course or something more casual. Another one offers one-on-one tutoring and a wide selection of Chinese classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced. It also has the most extensive courses from actual university offerings.
Another popular option is a podcast-style format with Mark (a Mandarin learner) and Crystal (a native speaker). Lessons feel more like listening to a conversation than an overly structured classroom lesson. Another classic offers a gamified approach to learning with easily doable games in five minutes.
Other online learning platforms focus on more niche areas.
Learn with native speakers.
For learners who don’t have the opportunity to learn Chinese in a classroom setting, there are many ways to immerse themselves. The best way to do this is by finding a conversation partner(ideally a native speaker). This can be done online or in person and is an excellent way to build fluency without leaving home. Contact friends and family to find a conversation partner, check local listings for conversation clubs, or search online.
Another great way to practice your Chinese is by listening to podcasts, watching TV and films, or playing games with a native speaker. This can be a fun way to improve vocabulary and learn about Chinese culture.
One of the most critical aspects of learning a language is pronunciation; the best way to do this is by mimicking native speakers. Start by listening carefully to a short snippet of audio and try to replicate it. Focus on words and phrases first, then move on to sentences as you gain confidence. For beginners, using an app with a loop or repeat function can help you practice Chinese sounds more effectively.
Also, familiarize yourself with the 214 “radicals” that come together to form Chinese characters. This will help you understand how each character is written and ensure you put the proper strokes in the correct order—for example, writing a character from left to right, top to bottom, and horizontal before vertical is essential.
