Language Apps More Popular Than Ever
If you are interested in learning languages and have done some research on how you can get started, chances are you have already come across various online language learning websites and mobile apps. Language apps have become a highly popular way to learn languages. With over 120 million users, Duolingo’s success is a striking example of this phenomenon.
Duolingo and other apps have successfully used gamification to make learning languages more fun. By using a video game design to capture the users’ interest and offering incentives such as obtaining more points, gamification keeps learners motivated to continue playing. The users can also share their progress with their friends and family, encouraging them to compete with each other. And in a world where time is a precious resource, mobile apps make it easy to learn a language on the go, whether the user is commuting, queuing, or having a break. So, with language apps allowing everyone to learn languages so easily and at a reduced cost, why would you need to take lessons with a teacher?
The Limits of Learning Languages Online
While language apps effectively use gamification to make learning languages entertaining, your interest may fade in the long-term. Studying on your own requires excellent self-discipline. An experienced teacher will keep your motivation high by checking your assignments and ensuring you understand the lessons so that you don’t feel left behind.
Although mobile apps and websites provide excellent tracking of what you have achieved, they very rarely provide a comprehensive view of your progression. They can only report on the exercises and tasks you have completed and the vocabulary learnt. As a result, language apps are more effective for individuals who already have some basis in the language learned. Learning a new language from scratch using only a mobile app will have limited benefits as you will have little help to assimilate the new knowledge and explanations will be limited.
Despite online automated learning being excellent self-study tools, the best way to learn a language is by speaking and practising it in a real-life environment. This is especially true for professionals, businesses and institutions, who usually have more specific needs than individuals and need to focus on specific areas. This requires more advanced training that can’t be delivered only through a mobile app or a website.
How Can Language Apps Actually Benefit Your Language Training?
Although they cannot replace an experienced teacher, language apps are an excellent way to complement a language course with a real-life teacher. Self-study is a key part of any language course, and mobile apps will help you practice the language after the lessons, on your own time.
Ideally, start by choosing exercises and activities that are closely related to the topics you have just learnt. This will reinforce what has been covered during your last lessons. But don’t limit yourself to this: self-study is also about learning more outside the lesson. Apps can also help you practice new topics as well as reviewing vocabulary that you have learnt a while ago. By keeping your knowledge fresh, you will be more spontaneous and more confident when using the language.
Real Life Language Training
Are you looking for genuine, interactive language training with a real teacher? Do you want a course designed to your specific learning goals? Cactus offers a variety of great language training programs tailored to your needs. Cactus also offers general language classes online, across the UK and immersive courses across the world.
Are you looking to develop your language skills or of your team members? Are you looking to determine the number of hours needed to reach proficiency? Cactus Guide to International Success – Levels and Progress Made Simple gives you the information you need to ensure your language training objectives are met. Download our free Guide to International Success.
Cactus Language Training Services
If you are interested in discussing your global language training strategy with the UK leading provider in language training, then get in touch to learn more about your language learning options. From face-to-face, online, blended learning and in company tuition Cactus Language Training will help you find the delivery and schedule that meets your needs. Cactus offer any language wherever you are and whenever you choose. Download our Free Corporate Brochure.
For information on any of our language training services, please call us on +44 (0) 1273 830 960 or contact us. Our multilingual team will be happy to answer any question you may have.
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