ESP courses: out-of-classroom trends

You might remember we were once the kind of kids that would do anything to know more about their favorite singer/actor/soccer player: we would buy magazines and make cut-out albums; we would record our favorite songs to learn them by heart and tell our friends all about it (those days!). So, why don’t we do that concerning English? We may know a lot about English but there sure are some areas we know only so little about. Whether it is vocabulary related to our occupation or vocation (anything related to improve our professional performance), there are several sources of information at reach and the best part: we can make our own learn-it-yourself program, or buy customized on-line courses or even bring the class into our own space.

Multimedia offers us access to different information in varied forms: recorded, played or displayed with specific devices. That is what we should take advantage of: the opportunity to learn the English we need for those specific purposes we pursue. Podcasts, videos, games, puzzles, blogs, forums; we can organize them according to our scheduled, carry them with us, comment on them and play them as we please. We can be in total control of what we learn.

It changes the way you see your free time because you realize that by listening to songs, watching funny videos or replying to someone’s question, not only do you have a good time but also learn. All you need is a little disposition and the will to improve your knowledge.

Not the best option for those who cannot work independently or by goals.

There was a time where it was possible to learn anything, and the fact that the information and the learner were in different place, was no obstacle. The Postal Service made it possible for people to learn to draw, to even become a taxidermist. Well, years go by and this practice has not disappeared, it has just got modern. We can train ourselves to learn the target English we need to succeed in life, just by giving a few clicks.

Specialized software is designed to provide us with information, which is dosified by modules or units of learning. Highly qualified people offering assistance, simulations of real situations, recording-yourself activities; are some of the characteristics of this new version of distance education. Before, you just needed a Zip Code, now you just need internet access.

  Not suitable for those who have no internet access or a low budget.

-Would you like to have the newest silver cutlery set without having to go to the store? We bring it to you!

Door-to-door sales were once very popular because they offered you the chance to have what you needed without leaving your house. The newest items brought to your door.

Specific English, just the kind you need, can be learnt and you do not have to go to school; it is brought to you workspace, along with assessment, training and consultation. The nine-to-five life can now have a different connotation: it will not only be about working, but also about learning, which will lead to success or a promotion.

        Not advisable for those who are a bit disorganized and are always behind schedule.