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HI Nellie, One of the biggest challenges to studying English (or any language online) is that it leaves little opportunity for practical practice. Many students can read and write in English at a high level however when it comes to speaking and communicating they find it very tough. If we could find a way for people to communicate in a real time environment online it would most definitely improve the learning experience and retention for the the learners.

I think this is where live online tutoring really helps. If you can converse with a native speaker on a regular basis it really helps.

Online live chatting can be done via SKYPE, google chat or IM with Yahoo or MSM. In addition, my EFL students claim conference rooms such as Interwise and hotconference helped them improve their spoken skills.

What are your thoughts on playing cooperative games on-line that require negotiations in the target language?

Sounds like a great idea. Have you tried it?

One of the major advantages of taking English, or for that matter any subject, online is that you can select the time you want to take in the content. You can decide when and for how long you want to do activities such as live chat. You can take part in your English class anywhere as long as you can use your computer and have headphones with a microphone.

The use of computers allows for games, activities such as programs that help you pronounce words, different types of dictionaries, scenarios that can provide practical and cultural experiences, lots of things to listen to, etc. The old fashion method of rote activities, which have been proven not to be successful, is not as likely to be used.

One of the major disadvantages of taking English online is that culture is part of language and often in online courses and chat situations culture is missing. When culture is missing misunderstanding happen regularly.

Face to face interaction is really needed when you are just starting to talk and listen to any new language. You can use body language to help get your point or need a crossed; and the person responding can do the same. I personally would not recommend beginning speakers/listeners use online English courses which include listening and speaking, particularly if the student has literacy problems in their first language.

In lots of non-English speaking countries English is taught by a teacher who has never lived in an English-speaking environment. These instructors cannot teach speaking and some times listening effectively. It is important to know what type of experience your teacher/tutor has and if that person is a native speaker. Online it is sometimes hard to find out this information before signing up for a class.