Anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can access a variety of English language learning tools, communities, and resources. One such resource is Interactive English, which uses audio-visual prompts to aid learning and self-testing. The user can activate visual aids with a mouse click to generate spoken or written vocabulary or link to a quiz for self-testing on interactive English websites. Brick-and-mortar English schools also use the term “interactive English” to describe a learning style that includes discussion, role-playing, and frequent interaction with the instructor.
Many learning methodologies in a typical language school setting rely on passive activities like listening and reading. While these activities are necessary for any student who wishes to learn English grammar and vocabulary, they must be supplemented others in order to facilitate communication skills acquisition. By requiring a response from the student, whether through discussion with fellow students, interaction with the instructor, or working with audio-visual teaching devices, interactive English-learning techniques aid in the development of these communications skills. The theory behind interactive learning methodologies is that reproducing language for the purpose of direct communication speeds up the acquisition of grammar and vocabulary.
Many interactive English exercises can be completed online without the assistance of a teacher. For example, a typical interactive reading exercise aids comprehension and vocabulary acquisition providing a written passage along with several multiple-choice questions based on it. A sentence with a missing verb and a multiple-choice quiz with several verb tense constructions could make up an interactive grammar exercise. By self-testing, a student can use the tests as a learning tool as well as a way to boost confidence.
While many online sites dedicated to helping users learn English are clearly designed as “schools” with interactive English aids such as audio-visual and grammar tools, there are others that can be just as beneficial to a student wishing to improve their communication skills. These include English learner online communities that encourage students to chat, send e-mails, and exchange voice messages. These interactive English communities are usually moderated qualified instructors, and while they can effectively supplement experience gained in a physical classroom, they can also serve as a student’s sole source of English interaction. Such communities have the benefit of exposing students to a diverse range of “classmates” from various countries, allowing them to learn about and appreciate cultures other than their own while studying English.