Tech EDGE: Mobile Learning in the Classroom
This week, I'll review TWO apps recommended by the Tech Edge podcasters: DuoLingo and Text to Speech.
![Picture](/uploads/8/7/3/6/87361546/duolingo-logo-with-owl-svg.png?126)
Duolingo is a free app designed to help people learn new languages, or build on previous knowledge. It currently offers detailed, user-friendly courses in 23 different languages. My favorite part of this app is that it can be used by anyone anywhere at any age and any time, as long as they can already read in one language. It is not specific to secondary students, even elementary schoolers could begin building a multilingual foundation with this app.
I began using Duolingo over the summer of my own volition, to maintain my knowledge of German now that I am no longer taking it in college. I am a huge fan of this app and the way it encourages learning with positive reinforcement, reasonable goals, encouragement, and a slightly competitive atmosphere. I immediately felt engaged, and was proud of every minor success and achievement. It does not feel repetitive like a textbook exercise, because the app is constantly bringing in new material and incorporating it with previous lessons, with regular progress reminders. When I missed an answer, it would explain the correct one and move on without any punishment (like a bad grade).
I imagine this app being very useful for teaching other language classes, but I would use it on a more individual basis. When I last observed at Susan B. Anthony Middle School here in Manhattan, I noticed that some students were struggling in their English class because they did not yet have a complete grasp on the language. Their grades reflected their inability to keep up, and many of them were frustrated and prone to just giving up. The teacher did her best to speak clearly, gesture, and answer their questions, but she had many other things on her mind too. I believe that Duolingo could really help students like them, and when I have my own classroom, I might offer it as an extra credit opportunity to kids learning English as a second language. They will still be working on improving their English, but at their own pace and level. The extra credit they earn as they pass each level might help to balance out the points missed due to misunderstandings in the classroom.
I began using Duolingo over the summer of my own volition, to maintain my knowledge of German now that I am no longer taking it in college. I am a huge fan of this app and the way it encourages learning with positive reinforcement, reasonable goals, encouragement, and a slightly competitive atmosphere. I immediately felt engaged, and was proud of every minor success and achievement. It does not feel repetitive like a textbook exercise, because the app is constantly bringing in new material and incorporating it with previous lessons, with regular progress reminders. When I missed an answer, it would explain the correct one and move on without any punishment (like a bad grade).
I imagine this app being very useful for teaching other language classes, but I would use it on a more individual basis. When I last observed at Susan B. Anthony Middle School here in Manhattan, I noticed that some students were struggling in their English class because they did not yet have a complete grasp on the language. Their grades reflected their inability to keep up, and many of them were frustrated and prone to just giving up. The teacher did her best to speak clearly, gesture, and answer their questions, but she had many other things on her mind too. I believe that Duolingo could really help students like them, and when I have my own classroom, I might offer it as an extra credit opportunity to kids learning English as a second language. They will still be working on improving their English, but at their own pace and level. The extra credit they earn as they pass each level might help to balance out the points missed due to misunderstandings in the classroom.
![Picture](/uploads/8/7/3/6/87361546/icon175x175.jpeg?166)
Text to Speech is a much more basic app, also free on the app store. It is designed to act as a voice for those who may struggle with speaking. The app is fairly standard and plain-looking, with few options and buttons, the only real choices being "Speak" and "Save." Nonetheless, it serves its purpose, and those two choices make all the difference in the world to someone who desperately needs a way to communicate with others. Furthermore, its simplicity makes it perfect for people of all ages, not just teenagers.
I can think of two basic uses for Text to Speech in my future English or Journalism classroom. First and more obviously, it would be an excellent opportunity for kids with speech issues to speak freely without feeling shame or embarrassment. Unfortunately, the app's voice does sound somewhat awkward and stilted, often radically mispronouncing words, but at least any laughter would be at the app's expense, not a student's. Secondly, I think this app could definitely be used for students to hear their own writing out loud, which helps with tone, voice, and grammar. By hearing their words, they might catch more mistakes than they would by reading silently. If they bring their headphones to class, a whole room of kids could listen to their writing without making a sound, which helps prevent the chaos of 20+ voices trying to be heard at once (if they were to read it out loud themselves). This app may not be quite as impressive, but it provides a new voice that deserves to be heard.
I can think of two basic uses for Text to Speech in my future English or Journalism classroom. First and more obviously, it would be an excellent opportunity for kids with speech issues to speak freely without feeling shame or embarrassment. Unfortunately, the app's voice does sound somewhat awkward and stilted, often radically mispronouncing words, but at least any laughter would be at the app's expense, not a student's. Secondly, I think this app could definitely be used for students to hear their own writing out loud, which helps with tone, voice, and grammar. By hearing their words, they might catch more mistakes than they would by reading silently. If they bring their headphones to class, a whole room of kids could listen to their writing without making a sound, which helps prevent the chaos of 20+ voices trying to be heard at once (if they were to read it out loud themselves). This app may not be quite as impressive, but it provides a new voice that deserves to be heard.