Three Ways of Using the Internet Effectively in Foreign Language Learning - Part 2

 In the first installment of this language learning using the Internet article series, we concluded by asking, “How do I go about using the Internet for language learning?” Here we’ll continue our detailed discussion by examining three initial ways to get started.

Using the Internet and the world wide web effectively in Foreign Language Learning can be a breeze using any combination of these three initial ways.

1. Evaluate Your Present Foreign Language Skills

First of all, you need to find out where you stand in your foreign language skills (or lack thereof). An initial evaluation will confirm if you are a rank beginner (me no espeeka da Italiano – No?), a false beginner, at the Intermediate level or at a higher starting level. Using English as a foreign language, Spanish or French for examples, proficiency tests are available for free at the General English Test, Parlo, or the Upper Intermediate English Test sites.

General English Test with instant results

Parlo

2. What are YOUR Best Language Learning Strategies?

Do you know how YOU learn best? Knowing this can ease the intimidating task of foreign language learning, making it much faster, easier and a more fun experience than in traditional, formal language study. You’ll find out whether you are:

a Visual – Spatial learner who likes pictures, drawings, graphics and extensive use of color.

a Musical – Rhythmic type that would benefit from having your lessons and materials set to music, rhythm or rhyme. Did you know that playing Mozart in the background during study periods enhances memory and learning in several areas of knowledge?

Perhaps the Bodily - Kinesthetic type who makes more progress with internalizing concepts using movement, motion, dance or even mime. There are six additional intelligence and learning style types. Which one are you?

Find out more about exactly how you learn by visiting these websites:

For Explanations of Different Learning Styles

Information to Help Determine Your Learning Styles

An Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire

3. Do You Need to Practice Your Reading Skills?

Yes, you do. Literacy is one of the world’s most inherently valuable skills. After all, you’re reading THIS now, aren’t you? Who of you wishes to be illiterate in a foreign language? So practicing reading skills is a major requirement for language learners. Newspapers, magazines, newsletters, websites, reports and even online blogs can provide needed language learning practice and supply authentic language-based audio – visual language learning. Try some of these for evaluating your foreign language reading comprehension skills:

Inter-Active English Language Exercises

Self-study English Quizzes and Lessons

More than 500 games and activities for children online (English, Spanish, French, German):

In the next, part three of this series, we’ll continue with even more ways of “Using the Internet Effectively in Foreign Language Learning”. See you then.