Terminology to Help You Choose the Best Platforms for Language Teaching
Understanding the terminology behind digital learning approaches is essential when evaluating platforms for language teaching. Knowing the difference between formats like e-learning, hybrid learning, or guided instruction can help teachers select tools that truly match their course objectives.
E-Learning: E-learning (short for electronic learning) encompasses all forms of learning supported by electronic, technical, or digital tools. More specifically, it refers to the use of digital resources to support teaching and learning processes. E-learning methods are embedded within didactic and pedagogical frameworks – for instance, in traditional courses or seminars that incorporate digital media.
When using E-Learning in language education, choosing the best platforms for language teaching is essential for ensuring interactivity, accessibility, and instructional quality.
Self-directed learning: This occurs outside of formal instruction and without the guidance of a teacher. Learners may unintentionally acquire knowledge or skills while engaging with content that is relevant to them. In such cases, the “why” and “how” are often secondary.
Informal learning: Informal learning takes place in self-organized situations that arise from specific problems or personal questions. It happens without input from institutionalized education systems and is often not recognized as a formal learning experience by the learner.
Game-based learning: Knowledge is acquired within a structured scenario guided by game rules and objectives. In game-based learning, the goal is to achieve success within the game – and the learning happens along the way, often without the player perceiving it as a formal task. Learners usually find this approach more engaging and less demanding. The skills gained may vary from person to person, but the learning process itself is fundamentally similar to non-game-based methods.
Mobile learning: Digital tools extend the classroom and open up new learning opportunities. Thanks to mobile devices, learners can study anytime and anywhere, making the process more flexible in terms of time and location. Mobile learning includes not only gamified elements but also content delivered via smartphones or tablets – whether driven by personal curiosity (e.g. learning how to change a tire) or formal tasks (e.g. assignments on a learning platform).
Guided learning: This takes place within a formal institution and is supported by an instructor, with clearly defined learning objectives. Guided learning can happen in person, in a blended learning format, or entirely online.
Hybrid Language Learning: Hybrid learning itself does not prescribe a specific format – instead, it sets a framework that depends on delivery. This is where the choice of platforms for language teaching becomes crucial: the selected platform must support the goals, structure, and interaction style of the course.
Blended Learning: Blended learning combines online and in-person instruction in a way that complements both environments. It requires thoughtful integration of tools and content. Choosing suitable platforms for language teaching ensures that learning objectives are met in both phases – whether students are at home or in the classroom.
When implementing blended learning in language education, choosing the right platforms for language teaching helps ensure that online and offline components work seamlessly together.
| In-person Course | In-person Course | Blended Learning Course | Tutored Online Courses |
| – no internet in the classroom – digital media used outside the classroom | – use of digital media in the classroom and beyond – integration of online elements with in-person teaching | – content delivered in online phases – integration with in-person teaching | – flexible learning opportunities regardless of location – synchronous and asynchronous phases – individual or group learning |
| The teacher teaches, gives feedback, and provides guidance. | |||
The table presents the different formats of hybrid teaching. It clearly shows that the scope and type of digital media use depend on the available technical infrastructure and the target group. Undoubtedly, the teacher’s media competencies—both technical and didactic-methodological—play a crucial role.
Explore our recommended platforms for language teaching to find the best fit for your classroom setup.
If you’re a language teacher – whether working in an institute or as a freelancer – it’s important to know that AI can support your students in improving their language skills. That’s why it’s worth recommending certain AI-powered language learning apps to your students. Learn more here: AI for Language Learning.
The Most Commonly Used Platforms for Language Teaching
With so many digital options available, selecting the right tool can feel overwhelming. In this section, we explore some of the most widely used platforms for language teaching. These platforms are not only popular but also pedagogically effective – supporting interactive, structured, and student-centered instruction.
Zoom
Among the most frequently chosen platforms for language teaching, Zoom stands out due to its simplicity and interactive potential. From breakout rooms to shared whiteboards, Zoom helps create dynamic virtual classrooms tailored to modern language instruction:
- Breakout rooms
- In-meeting chat
- Non-verbal feedback
- Encuestas
- Reacciones
- Screen sharing
- Sharing slides as a virtual background
- Virtual backgrounds
- Whiteboard
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams also qualifies as a reliable environment for language education. Its integration with Microsoft 365 makes it one of the more comprehensive platforms for language teaching, ideal for schools and institutions that already rely on Microsoft tools.
- Charlar
- Teams
- Meetings
- Notes
- File attachments
- Channels
- Group conversations
- Phone system replacement
- Breakout room
- Integrations
Adobe Connect
Adobe Connect is favored by experienced educators who seek more control and customization. As one of the most flexible platforms for language teaching, it allows instructors to design detailed virtual environments with clear learning paths.
Features:
- Unlimited and customizable meeting rooms
- Multiple rooms per user
- Breakout sessions within meetings
- VoIP
- Audio and video conferencing
- Meeting recordings
- Screen sharing
- Notes, chat, and whiteboards
- User management, administration, and reporting
- Encuestas
- Central content library
- Collaboration Builder SDK
- Mobile app (Android & iOS)
- HTML5 clients
BigBlueButton
BigBlueButton was developed in 2007 by the Technology Innovation Management (TIM) program at the Institute for Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Teachers value its intuitive interface and practical features that help keep learners engaged throughout the lesson.
Especially in academic and open-source contexts, BigBlueButton has emerged as a user-friendly yet powerful option. Its targeted feature set makes it a competitive player among platforms for language teaching, especially for those seeking an intuitive interface and solid collaboration tools.
- Screen sharing
- Multi-user whiteboard
- Breakout rooms
- Simple group polls
- Document sharing
- Video options
- Charlar
- Encuestas
- Shared notes
Conclusion: What Language Teachers Should Consider When Choosing a Platform
Audience, Technology & Didactics in Harmony
When selecting platforms for language teaching, it’s important to look beyond features and consider your learners’ goals, digital access, and your own teaching approach. Does the platform support engagement? Is it easy to use for your students? Can it adapt to different course formats?
It’s also essential to consider your students’ level of digital literacy, the devices they use, and the kind of learning environment you want to create—whether synchronous, asynchronous, or a blend of both.
Recommendations for Beginners and Advanced Users
For newcomers, starting with user-friendly platforms for language teaching such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams can provide a solid foundation. More advanced users may appreciate the flexibility of Adobe Connect or BigBlueButton – platforms that offer greater freedom for custom course design.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on how well a platform supports your specific teaching style and classroom needs. By understanding the available platforms for language teaching, you’ll be better equipped to foster success, motivation, and meaningful language learning experiences.
