The Abundance Of Language Learning Resources
Hi there. This education post focuses on the abundance of language learning resources. I do remember that Duolingo was one of the earliest mobile apps and website dedicated for language learning. With increased technological advancements and rampant competition in this space there are so many choices when it comes to language learning.
The motivation behind this post is based on me trying to find some good language learning applications for French, German and for me needing a serious review of Mandarin Chinese. Inexpensive and effective is what I am looking for.
I am currently trying out Frenchpod101 (Trial Month), Domino Chinese (Paid Month) and NinChanese (Free Version).
Topics
- Technology Influenced Competition In Language Learning
- Language Specialist Programs
- Companies Compete For Your Time & Money
- Social Language Learning Applications
- AI Driven Language Learning
Technology Influenced Competition In Language Learning
Competition in the language learning space was not fierce around eight or nine years ago compared today. Back then there was Duolingo starting out, Rosetta Stone and those CDs that came with the language books. Technology advancements has influenced more people to start edu-tech businesses to take market share away from Duolingo and past established language learning programs.
Compact discs (CDs) are a thing of the past for language learning. Audio based /podcast based language programs are in the .mp3 format. Website language still exists while mobile language learning is very popular as mobile apps use touch screens, audio, video and offline learning quite effectively these days.
Competing For Your Time & Money
Business competition is great for the consumer as companies compete for your money. In the education space, these companies compete for your and money and time. The downside of fierce competition is that choosing a language learning provider is tricky. The paradox of choice comes into play where too much choice can be overwhelming. You want to make sure that the choice out of hundreds of language problems is the right fit in terms of price, curriculum, content delivery, time length, variety of exercises, presentation and difficulty.
Language Specialist Programs
Language learning program providers are typically either from:
- A provider that has programs in many different languages
- A provider that has programs in 2 - 5 different languages
- A specialist provider that focuses on one language only.
This is another factor when it comes to selecting a language learning provider. It is up to the learner on how many languages they want to learn. If the goal is one language, a single language specialist provider is worth considering. A provider that has many different languages available may offer bulk discounts or a second language discount.
Social Language Learning Applications
Social language learning and language tutoring applications seems to be recent and popular. (I have not tried one myself.) I guess the idea behind these applications is for language immersion without paying the hefty travel costs. Converse with the locals from their country and practice.
Italki
It appears that Italki is a mega languages tutors search website. From the website it says:
Choose from over 10,000 teachers for 1-on-1 lessons based on your goals and interests. They have languages ranging from French, Chinese, Dutch, Serbian, Hindi, Polish and German. Tutors from the searches have their teaching languages, speaking languages, their hourly rate and their trial rate.
Tandem
Tandem is a service which appears to use matchmaking to pair learners together. Users can find a language exchange partner by location, language, interests and more.
Modes of communication include text, voice note, audio or video call. The app has its own translation tools.
Italki and Tandem is what I've heard of. There are more.
AI Driven Language Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic these days. A big part of AI is the use of statistics powered by computing for keeping track of patterns, past history and trends. The data from patterns, history and trends is then used for predictions and recommendations. AI algorithms attempt to predict the next word you are going to type, categorize strong words and weak words for review and recommending areas of improvement.
Modern and newer language learning providers use AI in their language applications. AI is used a competitive advantage for a better product and service for the user (in theory). AI is used for reviewing vocabulary, reviewing grammar and selecting exercises for helping the learner improve. AI is not available in the audiobooks.
