Poll: Which is better for speaking and conversation instruction?

Although I haven't have a chance to experience both of them yet, I think that the telephone english is better. Because it is more similar with a real conversation situation. We should talk immediately and the tutor could feedback soon.

Maybe I didn't point out the differencies between the two subjects.:)
I thought the online way meant just recording the voices and feedbacking. But, although the online one is possible to give prompt feedback, we always carry our own phone! We don't need to find computer whenever it's a time to learn.

In short, it's easier to access to a 'learning center'...

It's very important to listen and speak English for studying English. Of course we can do the both with computer. But it's just one way. That means students just listen, speak and get no response. By way of contrast with phones the student can go on listening and speaking continously. Listening without watching is more effective though it's hard for beginers.

I think online conversation by computer is much more efficient than telephone english. Because telephone can't delivery expression and gesture. And by computer, we can watch movie or news or ucc or anything together with changing opinion or doing conversation. So it will be helpful to improve english.

I think online learning is better than speaking.
The first reason is that we can transfer the contents like music, movies, picture online with conversation.
The second reason is that we talk about something one another at the same time.
The third reason is that online learning is free.

I think first answer is more efficiency than second answer because this method can see other people similar to contact directly. And If we have adequate equipments, online talk that use microphone and headset is free.
And we will improve the writing skills through other peopls's correction
if we choose the first answer.

Voice quality of telephone is very low. I cannot recognize even Korean words sometimes in telephone. Imagine what will be like if I listen to English in telephone. I may not reconize most of spoken words.

I think on-line learning, because telephone talking can be just Q&A and in the phone, with strain is can be problem. But on-line learning can be more various-situation and exciting like movie, music or flash. And we can search informations in internet so can be more comportable and feel easy. Moreover just 2 people can part in telephone. but on-line is not. So I prefer first one.

Basically I think both method is useful. I thought the Online learning through our computers is better way to learn speaking and conversation at the first time, but soon I remembered what I`ve experienced in Australia. One day, I got a call from the department manager, and that was about a parcel for me. I had no idea what he wanted to say to me, I just couldn`t get what`s his point. So I had to go down to the front and asked what was the call about. That was so simple thing, signing the reciept. According to my experience above, I recognized that speaking with face to face is easier than just speaking on the phone. Thus I think, Using computer, webcam and headset is good way at the begining of learning speaking and conversation, later if you are more confident, and then you might learn speaking and conversation just on the phone.

There are three reasons that I chose second way to practice speaking English.

The first one is I can react directly when I speak on the telephone eventhough I cannot speak very fluently.
The next is I can feel about the oposite person's situation whether they comportable or not.
The last is that is very comportable because I have my sellphone, therefore I can speak in English whenever, wherever I am.

I wrote three things of reason, however the most important thing is we should have passoin of study. Without the passion, we can not raise our speaking English ability efficiently.

Thank you.

I think online learning through computer is better than telephone English.

First of all, telephone English is a part of online English. If we turn off web camera of computer, we can practice English with only voice in online English. It is same with adventage of telephone English.

And the difference between two learning methods is the environment of learning. If we choose online learning English, we should sit and be in front of computer. But telephone English can be done anywhere you are.
I think learning attitude is important part.

Through these two reasons, I think online learning is better.

Since Jason's suggestion of volunteering the discussion group with headset and video cam, I have been thought about taking part in the group. Yet, I am a bit worried about being punctual for the time to be logon. I am sure it is the definitely great idea seeing face to face and hearing one another as if people were nearby. If my mind are made up, I will join there.

Hi Sung-han,

Actually, the beta program for which I am calling for volunteers has a 100% flexible schedule completely determined by the learner. The speaking does not happen in live time - it happens in turns (like exchanging email messages, but with video and audio instead). So you would send a video message, and when I have time I would respond and give you a follow-up prompt. You would then respond to that turn when you have the time, and the sequence continues like that. People with free schedules and lots of time could exchange speaking messages daily, while others might only be able to manage once or twice a week, or three times this week, 1 time next week, and so on.

I've already identified that busy schedules are the number one problem with online learning, so this program I am developing specifically finds a way around that problem and totally adapts to each learner's availability.

Hope that makes sense!

Cheers,

~ Jason

I think different people will have different choice. The main reason is people alway like to choose the easier and more affordable way. Some people will easily have access to internet to learn english. Whereas others may find it difficult for them to get such environment. For me, I will choose telephone which can be used everywhere and everytime. And it's very important to say I can make telephone call free.

Cheers,
Gavin

Hi,

In my opinion I wanted to say something which is outside the given choices. I mean I learn English better in a traditional way say in a classroom setting since through that I can get to interact with lots of people too.I haven't tried both of the suggestion given, though I understand that each is a more convenient way since it can be done at home, but I very much prefer a face to face setting. As from what I have read they said that the best way to learn a language is trough immersion with the native speakers. Though, considering the options given here maybe I would choose online method as second best.

Hi,

I believe a headphone/microphone is a better alternative to both telephone and videocamera. Honestly, there is not really the need to have a face-to-face conversation with a teacher in order to learn, but students need to be in a "designated place" to study, and this condition is not privided with the telephone. My point is, that much time will get lost when the teacher is in class while the student are, who knows, in the supermarket, or in the theatre, or etc. The computer provides the discipline that is needed for a long distance teaching.
I believe, in Austrlia, lots of children that live in the Outbacks are being teached that way, because the distance to cover from their farm to the next school is minimum a one DAY drive. The teacher uses a microphone and can teach many children at the same time, since they all have a radio/S.O.S connection in their home, and this radio is also connected with the teacher's radio.

Marie.

Needless to say, I think study through internet is much better.
Telephone learning can't give images.
The true conversation is made when you look other person face to face.
(Even it's through camera)
We can't know exactly what teller is meaning without seeing their face.
Isn't it?

Internet provide the best chance to learn english. It is as good as (even better in some respect) live interaction. I cannot think of my preparation without this beautiful gift of technology.