ELLs+and+Language+Learning+Apps

ELLS and Language Learning Apps

Language learning apps have become increasingly popular tools for classroom and personal use, and may offer an effective means of differentiating instruction for ELLs. ESL classrooms with students at different levels of English acquisition and with varied native languages can benefit from the individualized programs in apps such as Duolingo, Babbel or Rosetta Stone. In the classroom, apps can be used on tablets or laptops, or the ubiquitous smartphone, never far from most high school students. Apps such as Duolingo are “gamified” and self-paced, perhaps leveraging digital natives preferences for entertaining educational activities as well as the satisfaction of progress recorded by moving through levels and content areas. Incorporating some work in class on apps is a way for teachers to maximize free time in class, and perhaps encourage students to continue using the apps as study tools outside of class.

The jury is still out on the true efficacy of language learning via apps. As the sole tool for acquiring another language, apps do not offer the feedback or interaction that are hallmarks of best teaching practices in language instruction. In addition, while some apps such as the Google owned Duolingo are free to use (although users can purchase improvements to their achievements), other more highly rated apps such as Rosetta Stone and Babbel are not free. And ELL’s with limited native language ability will encounter the same issues as they do with traditional teaching methods because the activities in Duolingo still require learners to enter and to read text, thus apps are unlikely to be a magic solution. Rather they can be an important addition to any classroom.

[] http://www.macworld.com/article/3100600/software-education/ios-language-learning-apps.html