Many students and adults utilize language learning apps on a regular basis in hopes of learning a new language. However, many users solely maintain their streak and do not retain useful information about the target language.
People who use language learning apps easily lose motivation to learn by themselves. Users can forget to do their daily lesson, lose their streak and feel astoundingly less motivated to continue learning. Less than 5% of learners 13-17 have a consistent one year streak. This leads to large gaps in learning periods, making students have to relearn material repeatedly. Because of this, users do not learn many new concepts.
Learning in a classroom setting is substantially more beneficial to learn a language quickly and accurately. “In a classroom, you get to experience different modalities with the language: speaking, reading, writing, listening. You also have the benefit of interactions with other language learners and sympathetic listeners who can give specific feedback,” said Spanish teacher Kathryn Buchter.
Having a mentor and peers within one’s class holds the students more accountable and encourages students to keep up with their lessons, which is more effective than relying on an app alone. “There is a lot of distraction on my phone like social media, YouTube, Netflix and the notifications easily divert me from the lessons,” commented junior Janiya Walters.
There are some positive aspects to using language learning apps. Usually, these apps include interactive activities for learning vocabulary and grammar rules. Language learning apps aim to engage their users, rather than just repetitive homework. These apps are also quite accessible and convenient for users as most are free and can be used whenever they want to study.
Additionally, language learning apps can be beneficial for learning shorter phrases and vocabulary in new languages, ultimately easing users into the target languages in an non-intimidating manner. These apps are educational and oftentimes enjoyable for users. It is a unique way to immerse oneself into an introduction to a language without a large commitment.
Apps like Duolingo are great for reviewing certain concepts if a learner already knows them, but not for building an understanding of a complete language. However, online apps cannot respond to real time questions and conversations as they develop and flow naturally. “With language learning apps there is no interaction and it is static and one dimensional. You can’t get the feel of reacting quickly and volleying back and forth during conversation,” added Buchter.
Developing a deep understanding or a language requires more than just basic vocabulary lessons once a day. “To become multilingual you need to maximize your exposure by surrounding yourself with the language. Use the apps to help you on your way, but speak with other people, listen to music, watch movies and tv shows and read whatever you can find in the target language as much as possible,” said Buchter.
Beyond the immersiveness and interactions with the language learning apps, the feedback provided is not personalized to each user’s learning goals. With the limited feedback and lack of reading and writing practice especially, the lessons tend to feel incomplete. While there is repetition, an app can only go so far teaching someone an entire language.
Overall, the marketing of language learning apps claiming to teach people a complete language is oftentimes false advertising and can be misleading. For an educational and fun hobby, users can immerse themselves with the apps; however, learning a language in a classroom setting is ultimately superior and more likely to build a complex understanding of a complete language over time.
