Nice touches include the ability to slow down what you hear (click the turtle) and popup tips (“almost correct, pay attention to the accents”). Students can also find friends on Facebook and add followers to compete with. There are several options for advanced learners to test out or unlock skills they have surpassed. Adept users will find it just as addictive and will benefit from being able to go further. Spaced repetition provides excellent vocabulary and usage support, especially for struggling students. For basic learners, the approach is very nicely done, with popups and extras to enhance understanding and game-based elements to increase motivation.

Current offerings are English, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, and French, and the incubator shows other languages in the works.ĭuolingo uses a mixture of activities students listen, speak, read, and type in a simple interface as they work through words and phrases. The site hopes to become a top tool for language teachers and students.

Duolingo has just released Duolingo for Schools for grades 6 and up, based on its very appealing free site for foreign language learners.

Duolingo for schools