How to Learn English Online—Yes, Completely Online

Here at E-QIP, we’re big proponents of learning a language through speaking, rather than studying—in fact, our entire approach to teaching relies on this belief. Despite this, we’re also confident that it’s entirely possible to learn English online… if you do it the right way, of course. 

Over the last decade, apps that promise to help students learn English online for free or cheap have begun dominating the language learning market. Apps can help immensely with learning vocabulary, but can anyone say they've become fluent in a language using apps alone?

Enter virtual English classes.

A staple of E-QIP’s offerings for nearly a decade, our own online English classes have undergone a world of change since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when learning English online went from being an option some students chose for the sake of convenience to a necessity for all. 

Even at E-QIP, figuring out how to offer the best online English courses in Canada has been an ever-evolving process. We don’t see ourselves ever giving up on our quest for improvement in the realm of online learning—continuous improvement is, after all, the basis of our teaching framework. With that said, we’re incredibly proud of the online English classes, conversation events and resources that we now offer. 

To help you learn English online as effectively (and enjoyably!) as possible, we’ve compiled a list of the best ways to improve your English fluency, comprehension, vocabulary and grammar—all from the comfort of your own home. 

If you’ve ever asked yourself any of the following questions, this list is for you! 

How can I improve my English fluency online? 

Speak, don't study!

The only way you’re ever going to improve your fluency in any language is by speaking it—it’s really that simple. We’ve written before about the importance of speaking over studying, but to recap: producing language (i.e., speaking) has been proven to help students retain more of a language than comprehension practice alone. Even the mind behind one of the biggest language learning apps in the world agrees that human interaction is key to learning a new language. 

Luckily for you, there are now plenty of ways to engage with other English speakers online. 

Virtual classes

In E-QIP’s virtual classrooms, students are the stars of the show. In each of our group classes, students spend far more time talking amongst themselves than listening to their instructor speak. This approach both allows our English students to focus more on producing language and helps to keep them engaged. Engagement is especially crucial (and can be especially challenging) for those who choose to learn English online.

The talking-to-listening ratio is even more significant in our private and semi-private lessons, which are ideal for those who wish to address particular challenges, topics or weaknesses. 

New to the world of virtual learning? Check out our tips for preparing for your first online language course, and find out why we think online language learning is the way of the future! 

Virtual meetups

Outside of the classroom, language exchange and conversation practice meetups are a great way to practice English in a natural, pressure-free environment. E-QIP’s own conversation practice events, Connect 1, provide English learners of all levels the opportunity to enjoy friendly chats with both fellow students and native speakers about a range of subjects.

Connect 1 meets Mondays to Thursdays, and with a fee of only $10 per event for non-students (it’s free for students), it offers a low-commitment, low-cost way to practice speaking and listening and therefore improve your English fluency. 

Can’t make it to an online meetup? Simply engaging with other English speakers on social media can be a great way to boost fluency! 

How can I learn English vocabulary online?

Language apps

This is where language learning apps become useful. We’ve already written about the vocabulary-boosting powers of apps like Memrise (our favourite!) and Duolingo. Both apps which gamify the language learning process and thus turn picking up new English phrases into a fun lunch break activity instead of a chore. 

E-books, blogs and other reading materials

Reading (news articles, blog posts, e-books, etc.) in English can also be an unbelievably valuable (and free) way to learn new English words. Keep a notebook, pen and translation app nearby whenever you read any English content so that you can take note of new words or phrases that you encounter. 

And while you’ve got your phone out, check out these time-saving apps that can help with your English learning journey.

How can I improve my English comprehension skills online? 

Watch some TV

Communicating with your English teacher and classmates is undoubtedly helpful, but nothing beats listening to native English speakers communicate with one another at a natural pace about ordinary, everyday topics. After all, listening to native speakers talk is the best way to talk like a native speaker! 

Streaming services like Netflix are full of English programs (with subtitles!) that you can watch to improve your comprehension.

Not quite ready to follow along with the fast-paced conversations of native speakers? Netflix now offers the option to slow down (or speed up!) all of its programs. Simply look for the little timer symbol in the bottom right of your screen. Check out our other tips for using Netflix to learn English online here!  

Language podcasts

Podcasts offer another great way to improve your English listening skills. Check out our list of our nine favourite language-related podcasts on the E-QIP blog!

How can I improve my understanding of English grammar online? 

Listen to your instructors

We’re big believers here at E-QIP that when students’ fluency, comprehension and vocabulary are being tended to, their knowledge of grammar points falls into place rather easily.

Still, sometimes certain grammar rules cause confusion that all of the conversation practice in the world can’t fix. That's why E-QIP’s online English courses incorporate grammar lessons in each class. All classes also feature plenty of time for students to practice the grammar rules with one another.

Another great online resource is the British Council, which hosts a number of useful resources for English learners on its website, including grammar lessons, explanations and more. 

How do you prefer to learn English online? Post your tips and tricks in the comments, or share your thoughts with us on social media!