TEC101 Post #2 - Web/Mobile App Critique

Being from the West Coast, I grew up around Spanish speakers.  I wasn’t fluent, but I could understand a lot and have conversations.  Since being transferred to Indiana, I rarely use Spanish anymore. When I visited my family in Costa Rica last year, I was stunned and disappointed when I realized I had lost most of my Spanish and couldn’t understand most of the conversations around me.  When I got back home, I decided to start studying Spanish so I could converse with my Costa Rican side of the family in their native language.

Duolingo touts itself as the world’s most popular way to learn a foreign language. It also advertises that it is 100% free.  The free versions gives you access to 40 languages, including Klingon. While a free version is available that is basic and ad-driven, there is also an option to upgrade.  The upgrade allows unlimited and personalized learning with no ads.  The upgraded or super edition will cost you $12.99/month or $84/year, but you get the first two weeks free.

Duolingo is extremely easy to figure out and use.  No tutorial is needed.  Although it states it is for all ages, the app and website are definitely aimed at children and are very kid-friendly.  The lessons include reading and writing and utilizing your microphone and speakers so you can also learn how to pronounce the words you are learning in Spanish properly.

  

Their lessons bother me because they often start with learning phrases.  They are not necessarily phrases you would use in a regular conversation, whether at home or when traveling.  The lessons start out with phrases like, you like apples or I am a woman.  I had to search for a vocabulary list after the lesson was completed and could not find any grammar lessons, like how to conjugate a verb.  There is no basic foundation to learn and build on in the free version of Duolingo.  It isn’t a bad app to start on for basic phrases and vocabulary, but for more in-depth studies, I would suggest paying for the Duolingo upgrade, which is more immersive, taking college-level lessons or paying for a program like Rosetta Stone, which is more well rounded and teaches you about the culture of the language you are learning. 

The graphics are simple and clean, using a variety of cartoon characters and voices appropriate for each one.  Each lesson features an older man, baby, various women, or even a bear that reads the lessons and your answers. They are comical and will entertain children.  There is also a map to follow your progress.  

What I like most about Duolingo is that you can set goals for yourself, such as how often you would like to take lessons and for how long.  If you miss days or don’t finish your plan, you will be emailed reminders. Some days, time slips through my fingers, so the reminder is something I need. 

Since Duolingo bills itself as the world’s most popular way to learn a foreign language, I would suggest they make their app more appropriate for all ages.  The characters and lessons seemed to be aimed at kids.  I would also prefer that they create a better foundation, such as learning vocabulary and explaining grammar rules, so users can figure out things they aren’t taught.  I would also like a better schedule.  Their only options are daily for one to four weeks and five to 30 minutes.  While the minutes are fine, I know most people can’t commit every day so every other day or 3-4 times a week would be a good alternative.

*original submitted on 07.11.2024, edited on 07.31.2024