I would like to introduce a free application for English learners. According to Bottino, Jeuring and Veltkamp (2016) Duolingo is an online platform that is used to teach languages that uses the design of video games. Duolingo was created by Prof. Luis Van Ahn and one of his students at graduate level named Severing Hacker. Users of the platform can learn a language and at the same time benefit the platform by helping in the translation of documents. Duolingo became available to the public in 2012, and as of April 2016, the program offers 59 language courses across 23 different languages.
Duolingo can be used in teaching English to second language learners in various ways. Firstly, Duolingo can help students because it offers personalized learning. The official website of Duolingo states that their lessons are designed and tailored to help learners keep track of their learning on a regular basis for effective learning. Secondly, Duolingo can help learners of English as a second language because it offers users immediate feedback on grading which helps them to improve their language without delay. Thirdly, Duolingo helps learners acquire English as a second language because it offers them rewards that include earning virtual coins and unlocking new levels which motivate students to increase their efforts.
A fourth way in which Duolingo can help learners acquire English as a second language is that it has been customized to cater for the needs of learners in schools. For this reason, interactive activities and homework assignments that promote both fun and learning are designed to ensure that students enjoy themselves even as they acquire linguistic knowledge (Bite-sized English lessons. Fun, effective, and 100% free, n.d.).
In conclusion, it is manifest that Duolingo is a platform that can have various uses in the teaching of English. The explanations and discussions explored in this blog demonstrate that it is possible for massive language education to be successfully carried out through online platforms.
References
Bottino, R., Jeuring, J., & Veltkamp, R. C. (2016). Games and Learning Alliance: 5th
International Conference, GALA 2016, Utrecht, The Netherlands, December 5–7, 2016, Proceedings. New York: Springer
Hyojin
Duolingo sounds like a really interesting application!! It seems like it will be very motivating and encouraging to students who do not have any interest in learning a second language. I also love that it has a personalized learning system.
Xuelei
Totally agree with you. And it is a free application, so every student in the world can learn English for free, such a great application.