The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • Top Online Dictionaries For K12 Pupils

  • Ways To Add A Video To PowerPoint

  • Top New Online Learning Trends To Watch

  • Basic Insurance Online Training Courses

  • Key Traits Of Learning Organizations

  • Financial Aid for Traditional Students: Everything You Need to Know

  • The 5 Best WiFi Cards for Windows PCs

  • The 6 Best Prepaid Phone Plans

  • The 5 Best Sites to Buy Cheap Downloadable PC Games

  • The 6 Best Lightweight Linux Distros

Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
Home›Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech›7 Must Have Language Learning Apps, Tools and Resources

7 Must Have Language Learning Apps, Tools and Resources

By Matthew Lynch
August 2, 2017
0
Spread the love

According to recent studies, learning a second language staves off the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia by an average of 4.5 years. Results from the American Academy of Neurology show that learning and speaking another language increases the number of neural pathways in the brain which prevents the onset of progressive memory loss.

Learning a different language also improves the speaker’s attention span, ability to solve problems, think logically and work creatively. Plus, knowing a second language doesn’t hurt when you’re traveling overseas or looking to impress a potential employer.

So why don’t more people tackle the challenge of learning Spanish or French or German? Many believe their ability to successfully learn a second language has diminished and, if you’re a working professional, it’s likely you’re pressed for time.

Whatever your reasoning, say Hola to seven apps that make language learning easier and scream Adios to tired excuses.

1. Duolingo: Duolingo is a free app that turns language learning into a game more addictive than Words With Friends, Tetris, and Candy Crush combined. Earn points for right answers, race against time, and strive to beat your personal high score. The app also places advanced learners into the appropriate level and allows users to choose their commitment in desired minutes per day (5 through 20). Taking a hint from Snapchat, Duolingo users earn streaks for every day they’ve spent practicing. Not just a fun game, Duolingo includes speaking, listening, translation, and multiple choice challenges into each lesson while boasting an off-the-charts success rate.

2. Babbel: If vocabulary is your personal path to fluency or you’re more interested in a basic understanding of everyday words, Babbel is the app for you. The app uses four different techniques – Sound Recognition, Picture Recognition, Spelling and Fill in the Blank – and focuses heavily on word repetition and sentence completion. Users can also set benchmark goals to track progress and personalize their experience.

3. Memrise: Memrise may not be as user-friendly or widely-known as Duolingo or Babbel, but it’s still a great (and free!) language-learning app. Memrise uses an original method for language learning and vocabulary building: Instead of having users blindly memorize words, the app puts words into sentences with similar sounding words from your mother tongue to build natural mental connections. Memrise also uses images that sound like the word overlaid with the unfamiliar word itself (photo of a dove for dov’è) to give visual learners a leg up.

4. busuu: busuu is a language learning app that specializes in helping users understand the context of words and phrases. busuu primarily uses quizzes as an educational tool while presenting learners with the same word in varying contexts – a technique many language learning apps leave out. If you find yourself surrounded by native speakers, busuu is at your disposal for a pocket-sized context dictionary.

5. HelloTalk: HelloTalk is an interactive language app like no other. With over 100 languages to choose from, including Japanese, Korean and Chinese, HelloTalk connects users with native speakers for real practice and personalized tutoring support. With HelloTalk, you’re not just memorizing flashcards and spelling words, but practicing intonation with human help at your fingertips. Native speakers are available to answer any questions learners have throughout the process. Additionally, the text-to-voice feature allows users to listen to the audio of texts they’ve sent or received for constant language improvement and understanding. HelloTalk: the app that talks back.

6. HiNative: This app is a free Q&A for learners with specific questions in mind. Like HelloTalk, HiNative connects users with native speakers to receive feedback on written work, ask contextual questions, receive instant and accurate translations and, with the audio feature, check pronunciation.

7. Rosetta Stone Travel App: When you think language-learning edtech, Rosetta Stone is probably the first brand that comes to mind. We’ve all seen the commercials and walked past pricey bundles of Rosetta Stone courses. But did you know they’ve got an app perfect for learners-on-the-go? This pocket-sized approach with a built-in guide book has everything that makes the original version successful; industry-leading speech technology, images, customizable settings, and opportunities for repetition, repetition, repetition.

Whether you’re looking to add a line on your resume, travel abroad, increase your circle of international friends, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s or simply feel smarter, check out these language learning apps with a track record of bilingual success.

TagsEdtechedtechchatelearningmakerspaceSTEMvirtualreality
Previous Article

Trailblazing Companies in Edtech: ClassDojo

Next Article

Stretching Your School’s EdTech Budget

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    What Are the Benefits of Learning to Code as a Child?

    June 7, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech NewsHigher Education EdTech

    Students struggle with digital skills because their teachers lack confidence

    July 8, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech & Innovation

    What Is the State Of Virtual Reality In the Classroom?

    April 5, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Uncategorized

    Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    December 14, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechHigher Education EdTechPersonalized Learning

    What Are the Benefits of Learning Analytics?

    August 27, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    Virtual Learning: No Longer for the Select Few

    October 20, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Top Online Dictionaries For K12 Pupils

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • Ways To Add A Video To PowerPoint

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • Top New Online Learning Trends To Watch

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • Basic Insurance Online Training Courses

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • Key Traits Of Learning Organizations

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & BusinessesOnline Learning & eLearning

    How to Use System Restore in Windows 11

    Spread the loveWindows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, provides users with many advanced features and services. One of the most useful features of Windows 11 is “system restore.” ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Understanding the Fundamentals of a Sales Script in Your Customer Interaction Journey

    Spread the loveSales scripts are crucial to any business and can be the main difference in achieving the set targets. A well-written sales script that factors in customers from different ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    StandStand Review: A Beautiful, Easy-to-Use Portable Standing Desk

    Spread the loveStanding desks have become increasingly popular over the years, with many people choosing to incorporate them into their daily routines. The health benefits of standing frequently throughout the ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    Sprint Won’t Allow My Phone to Activate

    Spread the loveSprint Won’t Allow My Phone to Activate: What to Do? There are few things more frustrating than purchasing a new phone, only to find out that you can’t ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    Spread the Word: Ninite is the Only Safe Place to Get Windows Freeware

    Spread the loveWith the internet being flooded with a plethora of freeware apps and software, it’s not easy to differentiate between the genuine and the potentially harmful ones. This is ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    SSD vs. HDD vs. USB Flash Drive: Everything You Need to Know

    Spread the loveFor many years, the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) was the only storage device available, and it was the most reliable and efficient way of storing data, and it ...
  • EdTech Futures

    The Future Of Effective Digital Learning And Its Role In The Education System

    Spread the loveEffective digital learning is the future of education and it is here to stay. With the ever-growing trend of online learning, it is no wonder that effective digital ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.