Duolingo:A good friend to help you keep learning English out of class!
Week 8💝Duolingo:A good friend to help you keep learning English out of class!
👫 Introduction
In my blog post published in week 4, I have introduced to EFL learners a useful and stimulating website for them teaching themselves: Simple English Videos. In this post, I will recommend students a more convenient and flexible one: Duolingo.
(Search for: Apple Store)
👪What is Duolingo
Even though Duolingo can be used in the laptop, I give students advice to download this app in the mobile phones. In this way, languages can be learnt, without any time and space constraints. In terms of the content of Duolingo, it provides users a variety of languages in the world, including English. Regarding the purpose of using it, learners can learn vocabulary, phrases and so on via it. In addition, the design of learning stages stimulates students to keep learning out of classroom.
👳 How to use Duolingo for language learning and improving autonomy
In this section, I will take my own learning experience in relation to this app as an example, to help you learn how to use it step by step.
💙Choose one language you aim to learn:
If you get started, the first step is to choose a course from the column. For me, I choose to learn Chinese.
💚Choose the language you speak at present
After deciding which language to learn, what you should do is to tell the app which language you speak, therefore allowing it to change the interface for you. In this stage, I choose English as what I speak.
💛Pick a goal to achieve:
After selecting two languages, users are expected to pick up a goal and finish the tasks regularly. In detail, the goal is divided into 4 categories: casual, regular, serious and intense. For me, regular one (10 mins per day) may become the most suitable one for me.
💜Choose a path:
There are two options: "New" and "Already know some". This process mainly focus on self-evaluation related to learners' own language level. "New" means that you have not learnt the target language before. "Already know some" represents that you have certain basic knowledge about the language you want to study. As for me, I choose "Already know some Chinese".
💓"Start with the Basics" or "Try a Placement Test"
Based on the selection in the previous stage, two results will be shown for you: Firstly, if you are "new", you will start with basic knowledge. Secondly, if you choose "Already know some", you are suggested to try a test to check you authentic language skills and levels.
💕Recording your learning:
When you have learnt languages for the target time span, the app will help you record it and unlock the next module for you. During this process, learners can keep what they learn in mind.
😀Why I think it helpful for learners?
- As a mobile app, it is so practical that learners can learn and revise languages whenever and wherever they want.
- It is free!
- It pays attention to learners' individual difference and focuses on their autonomy and self-discipline.
- It is motivating and user-friendly
😓Limitations of using Duolingo
From my point of view, the test is a little boring and two many translations for the same items. One test may only include one or two vocabulary items and I think it is not necessary to have so many repetitions.
Secondly, the app is mainly for revising and practice and has less input of grammar. Because of it, I have an advice to use Duolingo and Simple English Videos together to make the most outcomes.
Hi, Ada. I really like these labels and small titles you used, they are very cute and clear for readers to follow. in addition, the you have provide a quite detailed introduction about this mobile app 'duolinguo'. As an English teacher, I think it can motivate language learners to learn more autonomously to a large extent.
ReplyDelete