Duolingo: Making language learning fun!

Duolingo is a language learning app/website, which allows you to learn a language for free by practicing for just 5 minutes daily! Guatemala-born, Von Ahn, saw how expensive learning English was. Severin Hacker (born in Zug, Switzerland), co-founder of Duolingo, and Von Ahn believe that "free education will change the world" and wanted to supply people an outlet to do so. There are over 1.2 billion people learning a language and the majority are doing so to gain access to better opportunities. Unfortunately, learning a language is expensive and inaccessible to most. Duolingo was created so that everyone could have that opportunity. It's hard to stay motivated when learning online, so the Duo Lingo creators strived to make learning fun that people would prefer picking up new skills over playing a game. It's based on a methodology proven to foster long-term retention, and a curriculum aligned to an international standard. Some parents love the standout content! Along with commonly used phrases like "¿Dónde está el baño?" (Where is the bathroom?), Duolingo learners also encounter sentences like "Tu oso bebe cerveza" (Your bear drinks beer). The quirky sentences are designed to make sentences more memorable, but some parents don't like these bizarre sentences, which may seem unnatural, and not particularly useful, in everyday dialogue. Also, there's a lack of human interaction. Duolingo gives you the illusion that you’re practicing your speaking skills. However, what the app actually asks you to do is to repeat what you can already see on the screen in written form., Duolingo is not a stand-alone language course, but it’s an excellent addition to a language learner’s toolbox. It’s easy to use, it’s fun and it works. Don’t forget to do the homework, though. If your aim is to achieve real fluency, remember to read, speak, and truly live the language that you’re learning!. 

Grades: Even though the app is designed for users 13 years of age or older (per its terms of use), I would have no problem sharing its content with my four-year-old.

Cost: The best part: it's free forever!

OTHER DETAILS

Key features

Type of Tool: App, Website

Time required: You can allot between 5—20 minutes daily. Duolingo provides students with regular, encouraging reminders to practice their language skills!

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: 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

Adaptive: No, it is the same for every student

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

Other characteristics:   Self-directed learning, Fun and entertaining

Accountability

Assessment: Yes, there are built in assessment tools

State Standards: Duolingo ABC is aligned with Common Core standards and based on recommendations by the National Reading Panel, which include guidelines on phonemic awareness, fluency, phonics and comprehension. This is not applicable for regular Duolingo learning Spanish.

Teacher Accounts:

Read Reviews: https://www.fluentin3months.com/duolingo/

Purchase:  https://www.duolingo.com/course/es/en/Learn-Spanish