Language Learning Software Features
Language learning solutions often include, but are not limited to, the following features:
Cloud-based learning – The vast majority of language learning software today is cloud-based and optimized for mobile, meaning you can learn anytime and anywhere.
Mobile app – This feature goes hand-in-hand with the fact that most applications are cloud-based. Mobile applications have allowed learners to focus on their studies wherever they happen to be.
Gamification – Language learning can be a tedious process, during which learners encounter many difficulties. Gamifying the entire process can engage them and give the learner incentive to learn consistently by providing badges and virtual rewards for completing modules.
Spaced repetition — Spaced repetition is a teaching philosophy built in to many language learning applications. The concept revolves around introducing vocabulary to students and then reinforcing that vocabulary at various intervals throughout the length of the course, to solidify comprehension and retention in the student’s mind.
Authentic material – Certain applications feature listening comprehension-based lessons, which are centered around conversations between two native speakers.
Virtual tutor – A newer feature of language learning software is the virtual tutor. If students are struggling with the material, they can ask a virtual tutor that is powered by artificial intelligence. The virtual tutor should be able to answer their questions and give them the opportunity to hammer home their comprehension of the material.
Speaking exercises – With the advent of natural language processing, language learning applications are able to understand human speech and translate it to text. This allows the application to judge whether the student has said the required line of text correctly. Apps can focus on phrases or full sentences depending on the content of specific lessons.
Listening exercises – Most language learning apps have audio exercises within the program. The learner will listen to an audio excerpt of phrases spoken by a native speaker and answer questions based off of the excerpt.
Progress tracking – Language learning software often includes progress tracking functionality so that learners have an accurate picture of how much they’ve learned and the units to come.
Gated content – Some language learning software contains gated content, meaning the student must complete certain lessons to then unlock more advanced content. This ensures that students do not jump directly into later units, which may cause them to get frustrated.
Language learning philosophies — There are several teaching philosophies upon which different language learning software is based. Each philosophy shapes the features the software offers, as well as the structure of the included lessons.
Declarative foundation – A declarative foundation approach involves building up the student’s knowledge of vocabulary and common phrases. From there, the lessons focus on using that vocabulary within the grammatical structures of the given language. A full range of learning activities is then deployed to reinforce those structures, which include audio lessons and language learning games. This technique is utilized by the solution provider Transparent, and is commonly the approach taken by government organizations teaching their employees a foreign language.
Audio-based – An entirely audio-based structure is championed by the NSA and FBI and involves very specific audio sequences designed to impart the greatest impact in the shortest amount of time. Audio lessons also function as the jumping-off point for other activities designed to reinforce the vocabulary and grammatical structures introduced in those lessons.
Dynamic immersion – This concept is trademarked by Rosetta Stone, and is based on association. Learners begin by being shown pictures and are pushed to associate those pictures with vocabulary words.
Other Features of Language Learning Software: Arabic Capabilities, Chinese (Mandarin) Capabilities, English Capabilities, French Capabilities, German Capabilities, Hindi Capabilities, Italian Capabilities, Japanese Capabilities, Portuguese Capabilities, Russian Capabilities, Schools Capabilities, Spanish Capabilities, Tutors Capabilities
Potential Issues with Language Learning Software
There are several possible issues inherent to language learning software. The first potential issue is also a benefit: the fact that language learning solutions are self-directed. This requires the student to have at least a modicum of self-discipline to advance in the course and actually retain information. In a live learning environment, students must maintain the facade of paying attention to the material.
Lack of live speaking practice – While most language learning applications have speaking features, there is no replacement for the corrections issued by a native speaker. Native speakers also speak differently, with unique inflection, when they speak in a natural rhythm. Syllables get dropped, words cut off, and the entire feel of a sentence changes when a native speaker talks.
Lack of listening comprehension practice – Listening comprehension is quite a bit more difficult to gain proficiency in than writing and reading a foreign language. Without immersion, or at least exposure to native speakers talking among themselves, true comprehension is difficult to come by. Most of the language learning applications are structured around learning grammar, reading, and writing. While nearly all incorporate listening comprehension and speaking to some degree, the technology is not yet at a level that would allow it to successfully imitate the speech patterns of a native speaker. Teachers can correct pronunciation and grammar related errors more effectively and to a greater degree than an app, at least at the time of this writing.
