Duolingo: An adaptive learning app to help anyone learn a foreign language

Foreign Language
Written By Madeline Goldsmith

Duolingo is a app designed to help anyone learn a new language. Duolingo uses a reward system and tests to help users learn a new language. There are a variety of languages (35+) to choose from, ranging from Spanish to Swahili to Navajo. Duolingo was created to make learning fun and universally accessible. They wanted to make language learning a comprehensive and personal experience. Learners choose a language they wish to learn and complete lessons that progress in difficulty. Learners can play games and earn awards. Many users enjoy how Duolingo is accessible and usable by people of any age. Younger students enjoy using Duolingo and stay engaged during the lessons, but adults can use it as well. Some users find that Duolingo doesn't help you learn a language fluently. Fluency requires in person conversing, which Duolingo doesn't offer.

Grades: All Ages

Cost: Duolingo is free to all!

OTHER DETAILS

Key features

Type of Tool: App, Website

Time required: Students are in charge of their own lessons and time spent studying. Each lessons takes around 10-20 minutes depending on the language. Practicing everyday is highly encouraged.

Special Needs:

Literacy Requirement (does a child need to know how to read):

Screens

Screens:  Yes, an electronic device is required

Online requirement:

Time

Parent/Caregiver Involvement: Yes, kids can use it with no help from a parent, teacher or caregiver

Prep Time:  No prep time required

Other characteristics

Modality: Audio, Visual, Audiovisual, Hands-on/kinesthetic

Adaptive: Yes, it includes personalization

Educational Philosophy: Not really, doesn't seem to be influenced by a particular educational philosophy

Other characteristics:   Inclusive of diverse viewpoints and perspectives, Fun and entertaining, Language

Accountability

Assessment: Yes, there are built in assessment tools

State Standards: No

Teacher Accounts:

Read Reviews: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/duolingo

Purchase:  https://www.duolingo.com/register

Madeline Goldsmith

Madeline Goldsmith is a rising junior at a high school in Northern California. She has worked with the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation Summer Program to co-teach students interested in STEM fields and is a tutor at her high school. Due to shelter-in-place restrictions, she has first-hand experience with the boredom students can face when stuck at home, so she is excited to provide parents with additional resources to keep their children engaged in learning.

Previous

Typing.com: A fun and easy tool for kids to teach themselves typing
Next

Barton Reading and Spelling System : Orton-Gillingham video-based learning system