Fortunately, the internet has made learning Chinese more accessible than ever before, with a wide host of websites and apps offering comprehensive types of Chinese online class tailored to learners of all levels. In this article, we will review the best places to find a Chinese online class, exploring the best platforms available and how they can help you achieve proficiency in Chinese Mandarin.
A great Chinese online class offer a flexible and convenient way to learn Mandarin, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of learners. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to enhance your existing language skills, these platforms provide structured lessons, interactive exercises, and personalized learning experiences. One of the key advantages of online classes is the ability to learn at your own pace, fitting lessons in around your schedule and lifestyle.
Chinese Online Class and Resources
When it comes to selecting the right platform for Chinese online class, it’s essential to consider factors such as teaching methodology, course content, affordability, and user experience. Several websites and apps have garnered praise for their effectiveness in teaching Mandarin, catering to learners worldwide.
1. Coursera.com
One such platform is Coursera, renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, and interactive learning resources on a huge amount of different subjects..
Coursera.com offers a range of courses designed to meet the needs of learners at different proficiency levels, from absolute beginners to advanced speakers. The platform employs a communicative approach to language learning, emphasizing real-life situations and practical usage of Mandarin. Each lesson incorporates a variety of multimedia materials, including audio recordings, video tutorials, and interactive exercises, to engage learners and reinforce learning.
Checkout the resources here to find handy vocabulary lists for the different HSK levels.
Coursera is where I personally studied HSK 3 and HSK 4 successfully, utilising their Chinese online class for both of these levels. Whilst they offer a good introduction to the levels, and many good practise exercises, it still requires a lot of individual effort and perhaps doesn’t have the same qualities as tutoring might have.
2. One to One Tutoring – Preply / iTalki
iTalki and Preply are two popular online platforms that connect language learners with qualified tutors and teachers, providing personalized learning experiences in various languages, including Chinese. Think of it as your privation Chinese online class.
A huge benefit of these platforms is being able to relatively affordably have access to professional tutors to guide you through the journey of studying Chinese. Furthermore, whatever your level is, a dedicated tutor will always be a big advantage for you. However this may not be suitable for everyone as it does require an investment to pay for your tutor.
iTalki offers a diverse community of language instructors, including native speakers and certified professionals, who offer one-on-one lessons tailored to individual learning goals and schedules. Learners can choose from a wide range of tutors based on their preferences, such as teaching style, expertise, and availability. iTalki provides a flexible learning environment where students can book lessons at their convenience and engage in interactive sessions via video chat, audio calls, or instant messaging. The platform also offers additional resources, such as language exchange partners and community forums, to enhance the learning experience.
Preply operates similarly to iTalki, connecting learners with experienced tutors who specialize in teaching Chinese. With Preply, students can browse through tutor profiles, read reviews, and select the tutor that best fits their learning needs. Lessons can be scheduled flexibly, allowing learners to arrange sessions at times that suit their busy lifestyles. Preply’s platform facilitates live communication between tutors and students through video calls, enabling personalized instruction and real-time feedback. Additionally, Preply offers a range of supplementary materials, including lesson plans, exercises, and learning resources, to support learners in their Chinese language journey. Overall, iTalki and Preply provide convenient and effective platforms for individuals seeking to improve their Chinese language skills through personalized online lessons with experienced tutors.
3. HelloChinese.com
In addition to dedicated language learning platforms, several popular apps offer a Chinese online class tailored to mobile users. One such app is “HelloChinese” a highly acclaimed language learning app that combines gamification with effective teaching methods. HelloChinese features interactive lessons, speech recognition technology, and personalized feedback to help users develop their Mandarin skills systematically.
The app covers essential aspects of Mandarin Chinese, including vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and character writing. Each lesson is bite-sized and interactive, allowing learners to progress at their own pace and practice anytime, anywhere. HelloChinese also integrates social features, enabling users to connect with fellow learners, participate in challenges, and receive peer support.
As with many Chinese study apps, it is not a silver bullet that will teach you Chinese entirely. As always, using many resources is always the best option to get the optimum results.
4. Pleco
Another notable app for supporting your Chinese online class is “Pleco,” a comprehensive Chinese-English dictionary and language learning tool. While primarily known for its dictionary functionality, Pleco also offers a range of add-on features, including flashcards, audio pronunciation guides, and example sentences. Users can customize their learning experience by selecting specific vocabulary sets or language proficiency levels.
Moreover, Pleco’s built-in document reader allows users to import and analyze Chinese texts, facilitating reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. The app’s intuitive interface and offline capabilities make it a convenient companion for learners seeking to immerse themselves in Mandarin Chinese wherever they go.
Pleco is my personal go to for a wide variety of things. The dictionary is very nice but the flashcard function is something that I use daily, for the grind of learning vocabulary. It is also excellent as a document reader, allowing you to input PDF of Chinese novels and allowing you to read them easily. The big benefit is that if you don’t understand a word, simply tap it to have Pleco show you the dictionary definition. It’s a great tool for improving Chinese reading comprehnesion.
As with HelloChinese above, Pleco should be considered as a tool for learning rather than a silver bullet solution.
Chinese Online Class and Resources – A Summary
In conclusion, there are many styles of Chinese online class that offer a wealth of opportunities for learners seeking to master the intricacies of Mandarin. Whether through dedicated language learning platforms like HelloChinese, one to one tutoring sessions through Preply or iTalki, or innovative apps such as Pleco, aspiring Mandarin speakers have access to a myriad of resources to enhance their language skills. By immersing oneself in the world of Chinese online classes, learners can unlock the doors to new cultures, opportunities, and connections in the global landscape.
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