Duolingo is a free, online, game-based language learning site which offers a range of features which could be useful for language teachers and students. Duolingo has recently launched a range of apps which offer Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and German language courses which allow students to practice their skills on the run. The languages courses are organised sequentially and incorporate talking, listening, reading and writing components.
The program works its way through the usual topics such as greetings, food, animals, jobs, family, travel, hobbies, clothing, colors and so on. The format engages students by incorporating aspects of gaming including losing lives and earning rewards. Duolingo includes frequent review of the concepts and vocabulary covered and provides immediate feedback as students progress through the levels.
Of course an online course does not replace a teacher or a responsive classroom context, nor does it offer the authentic communicative opportunities that are neccessary to achieve fluency. However, you might find it a useful adjunct to your teaching program or a fun way of reinforcing knowledge and practicing skills.
Another interesting area you may like to explore is the Duolingo blog. Each week blog readers are challenged to provide definitons for 'tricky words' which tend to defy literal translation. Native speakers contribute translations on the Duloingo facebook page and the most popular translation is posted on the official blog. The spanish word 'empalagar' which is shown below was the most popular of the 365 responses posted online.
The program works its way through the usual topics such as greetings, food, animals, jobs, family, travel, hobbies, clothing, colors and so on. The format engages students by incorporating aspects of gaming including losing lives and earning rewards. Duolingo includes frequent review of the concepts and vocabulary covered and provides immediate feedback as students progress through the levels.
Of course an online course does not replace a teacher or a responsive classroom context, nor does it offer the authentic communicative opportunities that are neccessary to achieve fluency. However, you might find it a useful adjunct to your teaching program or a fun way of reinforcing knowledge and practicing skills.
Another interesting area you may like to explore is the Duolingo blog. Each week blog readers are challenged to provide definitons for 'tricky words' which tend to defy literal translation. Native speakers contribute translations on the Duloingo facebook page and the most popular translation is posted on the official blog. The spanish word 'empalagar' which is shown below was the most popular of the 365 responses posted online.
The illustration above represents the winning translation of the Spanish word 'empalagar' on the Duolingo blog.http://blog.duolingo.com/post/63744768594/empalagar-as-defined-by-our-spanish-speaking
if you have used this program or have any insights or criticisms to offer, it would be great if you would share your thoughts!
Please leave a comment for us below
Please leave a comment for us below
RSS Feed