The key benefits of learning English with apps is that it allows you to practice anytime, anywhere, at your own convenience. Learning English with apps is definitely a game changer in terms of cost-effectiveness and making language learning available to everyone. Some are completely free, the others will charge you a very small monthly fee to get access to all of their features. Most of the apps tend to use learning methods that contain images, sounds, videos and games, which is very effective and motivating at the same time. English learning apps are often designed to help learners improve different English skills. They provide all kinds of cutting-edge features, such as adaptive algorithms to suit users’ learning speed and purposes (for example, learn for exams, communication, business, travel etc)
Technological innovations are part of education and English language teaching, but not all have staying power. The novelty of some innovations will wear out, and there are growing concerns about privacy and data protection. Only the innovations that come with solid teaching practices will stand the test of time.
Here, are some innovations that has changed the English language teaching and learning:
- Blended learning
- Mobile learning
- Gamification
- Embodied learning
- English as a lingua franca (ELF)
- Multi-literacies and trans-languaging
- Supporting learners of specific needs
Now, let's have a look on some applications or tools for learning English language:
1. English Attack:
- Pricing: Free or from $6 to $8 per month to get full access to features.
- Platforms: web
- Special features: learn English with videos and interactive games.
- English level: Beginner – Intermediate
English Attack is an English learning website focusing on young English learners who are around 15-25 years old. The given lessons combine video clips (movies,TV shows, music videos and news) and language games in an immersive learning experience to help learners improve their English in an exciting way.
2. Busuu:
- Pricing: Free trial or $3 – $7 per month to get full access to different features.
- Platforms: Android, IOS, Web
- Special features: Learn vocabulary, grammar and basic conversations.
- Level: Beginner – Intermediate (A1-B2)
Busuu is an online social network that will enable you to learn a language on your own or with other learners. Each course on Busuu is developed using the CEFR (The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Featuring 150 different topics for each course, Busuu also provides learners with learning materials such as audio, podcast, pdf files to help them improve their pronunciation and vocabulary. Besides English, you can also learn any of 12 different languages with free online courses on Busuu.
3. Duolingo:
- Pricing: free
- Platforms: IOS, Android, Windows Phone, Website
- Special features: Basic grammar, vocabulary, translation, listening and pronunciation
- Level: Absolute beginner
Duolingo is one of the most popular and well-known tools for learning a language online. Each lesson in Duolingo includes different modules (the circles in the screenshot below) which are grouped to form certain skills. Your mission is to complete those modules.
Before taking any lessons, you can test out your English skills with an entry test so that the app can determine your fluency level and give you the most appropriate modules. In addition, you can access additional study options when using the website platform. These include conversations, stories, podcasts that will help to improve your listening and reading comprehension. Duolingo also allows you to add friends to the app and challenge them in language study. You can also join clubs on the app to discuss and practice English with other learners.
These tools may appeal because they seem shiny and new. But the true value of innovations lies in how much they can help learners to become better communicators in English., and the extent to which they can help teachers encourage learners in the most efficient, motivating ways.
