Duolingo

Principal function(s): Autonomous learningGame apps

Duolingo is a language-learning platform that offers interactive lessons and exercises in 42 languages. Users can access Duolingo through its website or mobile app and choose their target language to begin learning through a series of exercises, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing tasks. Duolingo guides users through a learning pathway with steps that build on one another. Once one step is finished, users are allowed to move to the next one, but from time to time, they have to refresh their knowledge by retaking a quicker version of previous steps. The app is designed in a way that offers incentives for users to learn daily. It covers a wide range of linguistic skills, including vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and comprehension. Duolingo was developed by Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker. It is free to use, although it offers a premium subscription option for additional features. Users are required to sign up for an account to track their progress and access personalised learning content. Evaluation: Duolingo can be a very useful tool to complement language learning by encouraging users to practise their target language every day, even if for a short period. It embraces a gamified learning approach, which includes rewards, progress tracking, and social features that motivate users to continue learning. Nevertheless, this can also be demotivating for users who once fall off the track. The method of learning by repetition and deduction it is based upon can be quite effective, at least to a certain level. Its interface is very intuitive and user-friendly. Basic IT skills required for use.

Cost: Free with registration

Website: https://www.duolingo.com/

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