TECHNOLOGY
As technology has become increasingly embedded in our daily lives, the relevant knowledge and skills related to its use can be influential in the learning process. This part of the CULTR website examines widely available applications beyond the classroom, resources to become gradually tech-savvy, and useful tools geared to both teachers and students.
Description: Delivering quality courses in 14 languages, Babbel offers a language-learning program that teaches through listening and writing more than speaking and writing. With that in mind, it still offers tools such as pronunciation evaluation to ensure the other aspects of learning a language are accounted for. Babbel exposes users to a lot of new vocabulary to fit almost any conversation needs and then reviews these phrases thoroughly. Milestones are established through a custom class structure to allow users to monitor their progress as well. Languages can be downloaded individually so the user can focus on one language at a time that costs less than many of its competitors.
Languages: Spanish, English, German, Italian, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Turkish, Dutch, Polish, Indonesian, Norwegian, Danish, Russian
Cost: Free, offers subscriptions
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Rating: 4.5/5
Description: Duolingo is a helpful app that covers a wide variety of learning strategies. It is financially accessible and has a wide variety of languages to practice. Placement tests are also offered through the app, so individuals can begin their language learning at an appropriate level. To make the language learning process more fun, there are also incentives to keep people on track while still being engaging such as quests and streaks for completing lessons daily.
Languages: 45 Languages
Cost: Free, Premium: $12.99/m
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Windows
Categories: Conversation Skills, Listening, Reading, Sentence Formation, Speaking
Rating: 3/5
Description: LingoDeer is a language learning app like Duolingo in its game-based format. It’s actual content is helpful and informative to those wanting to
learn a new language, offering a wide variety of study methods such as
speaking, writing, and listening practice. Each lesson has learning Tips which
help to clarify certain grammar points and other background information that is
useful to know. However, only one free lesson is offered, and the app costs
nearly $15 a month past that point, making it more expensive than many of their
competitors, some of which already having a free version.
Languages: 12 Languages, with a focus on Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin
Cost: One free lesson, Premium: $14.99/m
Platforms: iOS, Android
Categories: Listening, Sentence Formation, Speaking
Rating: 3/5
Description: Memrise is a language-learning program that utilizes the format of flashcards. With different modules depending on the proficiency of the user, Memrise takes the memorization and repetition techniques essential to flashcards and introduces a competitive element with the ability to compete against other users. Points and reputation standings allow users to be more engaged in learning a new language and to have fun challenging friends. Users are able to decide how long they want their lessons to be and can even access courses created by other users. However, many of these features are restricted for free users.
Languages: 22 Languages
Cost: Free version, $22.99/m
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Categories: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Vocabulary Memorization, Writing
Rating: 3.5/5
Description: Based on linguist Dr. Paul Pimsleur’s linguistic work, Pimsleur is a language learning resource focusing on audio, translating between the user’s target language and native language. Depending on what language users choose to study, long audio files are used to get users used to listening to their chosen language. Users are prompted to repeat certain parts of the audio file to accustom them to speaking early on. It is structured differently from many other language apps, providing a refreshing take on language learning. However, only one free lesson is offered, and the premium version is quite expensive compared to competitors.
Languages: 51 Languages
Cost: One free lesson, Premium: $20.99/m
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Categories: Listening, Speaking
Rating: 4/5
Description: Rocket Languages is a language learning tool that offers audio and culture lessons, pronunciation practice, and flashcards. Rocket Languages utilizes interactive audio lessons and in-depth cultural and contextual lessons to teach its content. During the audio lessons, users are able to listen to native speakers while also receiving English context, and are prompted to repeat certain points. During the cultural lessons, users learn more about cultural context and certain grammar points. Though it is expensive, Rocket Languages offers a steady path to in-depth knowledge on target languages.
Languages: 13 Languages
Cost: $149.95 for one level; $449.85 for three levels; limited free content
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Categories: Conversation, Listening, Reading, Speaking
Rating: 4/5
Description: Tandem is a social-based app that, instead of teaching you a language, pairs you with people who know/are learning the same languages as you to get real-life practice. Tandem users can video call, audio call, send voice recordings, and text with other users. Users have the opportunity to join “Clubs” and “Parties,” both of which connect users with others wanting to either exchange or learn languages. Users can also correct other users’ comments.
Languages: N/A
Cost: Free version, Premium: $18.99/m
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Categories: Conversation Skills, Social Media