Community Language Learning
On HiNative users can ask questions about any language and get answers from real native speakers from around the world. The class or individual students can double-check their pronunciation and writing, openly wonder about another culture, as well as solve dilemmas about how a certain word translates to a foreign language by simply asking a question and waiting for a native speaker to answer it. They can also choose a Q&A template or record voice questions. It can be used for active learning and community. Students could even use it to teach and respond to others.
Another app that can connect students to the world is HelloTalk. This app is particularly interesting because its main focus is oral practice, unlike many other apps that focus on vocabulary. Therefore, it would be a great app to transition to in the later stages of language acquisition. HelloTalk connects users with native speakers to chat with for free. They can chat with individual members, or join group chats for a collaborative learning experience. The interface is also packed with innovative tools to make practicing a language fun and easy.
Another app to try is Go Correct. This is a Facebook Messenger app where you answer a question in English every day and have your reply corrected by a native English person. Over time you can see statistics about the types of mistakes you make most often, so you know which grammar points to improve on.
Language Learning Apps
Language learning apps like Babbel, Duolingo, Memrise, Busuu, or Rosetta Stone can be used to promote language because it give students a chance to engage with and learn specific vocabulary and grammar in English by being taught in a familiar language. Students can learn at their own pace. Repetition, vocabulary references, games, and a combination of hearing, reading, spelling, and saying words reinforces their learning and gives many opportunities for practice and growth. The key is consistency and fun.
My Experiences:
I have used Babbel in the past to try to learn some French phrases and I found it hard to keep up with at the time since some lessons seemed long and I would forget words frequently. The app wasn't overly engaging and and I quickly lost interest. To be fair, my motivation for actually sticking with it and learning the language was low.
I have also used Duolingo for French. It started off quick and easy, with the difficulty going up steadily as I passed levels (which took many days if I did only one 5 minute lesson a day). It was colorful and many of the new vocabulary words were illustrated which made it easier to understand. The words I had learned would often pop back up in later lessons, which kept me accountable for remembering them. I enjoyed being presented the words in different contexts during each lesson so that I could see how it would be used. Each word was said aloud and I had an urge to repeat after the app although there were no explicit opportunities to speak or get feedback on my pronunciation. That is where the app falls short. I know a few words and phrases now, but I can't say I know them enough to ever be confident in using them in a conversation.
I have used Babbel in the past to try to learn some French phrases and I found it hard to keep up with at the time since some lessons seemed long and I would forget words frequently. The app wasn't overly engaging and and I quickly lost interest. To be fair, my motivation for actually sticking with it and learning the language was low.
I have also used Duolingo for French. It started off quick and easy, with the difficulty going up steadily as I passed levels (which took many days if I did only one 5 minute lesson a day). It was colorful and many of the new vocabulary words were illustrated which made it easier to understand. The words I had learned would often pop back up in later lessons, which kept me accountable for remembering them. I enjoyed being presented the words in different contexts during each lesson so that I could see how it would be used. Each word was said aloud and I had an urge to repeat after the app although there were no explicit opportunities to speak or get feedback on my pronunciation. That is where the app falls short. I know a few words and phrases now, but I can't say I know them enough to ever be confident in using them in a conversation.