Online Language Learning Programs

Recently some students have been inquiring about Rosetta Stone, a language learning software that cost between $150-$500 (depending on how many levels you buy).

When my parents went to Italy they bought Rosetta Stone for Italian. My mom described going through the program as "just OK." She said she and my father didn't get much out of it because they didn't take it very seriously. She said if she would do it again she would focus on it for an hour a day every day, and she thinks she would learn more.

Now I have a friend trying to learn Spanish. He is using a free online program called Duolingo. There is an iPhone app and you can work on it online. He likes it, but he often sends me screenshots of really silly sentences the program has him translate, like The horse is to the left of the books. He's frustrated because many of the sentences he's learning he will never need to communicate.

The Hot Tamale Activities 

Here are a few free online language learning programs. Check one (or more) out. For the programs where you can select to learn languages other than Spanish, feel free to select another language to learn! You may have to create an account, that's fine. After you've explored the program, email bordner@cityhigh.org a summary of what you thought of the program. Did you like it? Would you recommend it to someone traveling to another country?

• Spanish MOOC
• This is a college level 1 Spanish class. It goes really fast but you learn through listening and watching to YouTube videos of music in Spanish.
• Duolingo
• The free online/iPhone app program mentioned above. Android app coming soon. It's fun and similar to a game.
• BBC Languages
• Sophomores learn Spanish through this program (Mi Vida Loca) but they have program for other languages too.
• StudySpanish
• This is very similar to a textbook - but online. If you like to learn a language through a book, then this is good program for you!
• Spanish is Your Amigo YouTube Channel
• Kristen makes wonderful short videos explaining specific grammar topics or vocabulary sets. She has a website selling her own program as well. 

This is a Hot Tamale Activity, but I created a website with the end-goal being that students would explore different free online language learning programs, then rate and recommend them to other students. If this is something you are interested in doing for an Independent Learning extra credit grade, let me know!

Whether you learn online through a free program, a program that cost money, or with me and Mrs. Akhand in our classroom, you get out what  you put in. You have to engage, and make learning a priority. Otherwise you waste time (and with Rosetta Stone, money).