Use Duolingo to Learn a New Language in the New Year

Duolingo is a free language learning service and app that I wrote about a couple of times in 2012. Just before the end of 2012 Duolingo added Italian to the list of languages that students can learn through the service. Students can now learn Spanish, English, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese through Duolingo.

To learn on Duolingo you read, listen to, and translate words and phrases. For example if I want to learn Spanish I'll be shown Spanish words with translations. I can can hear the words pronounced too. Then to practice I type and or speak translations. The activities start out with simple words and phrases. As I become more proficient, Duolingo gives me more challenging phrases. To help me track my progress Duolingo awards me point and virtual badges.

Applications for Education
Duolingo could be a good supplement to the in-classroom activities that students complete in your lessons. The free iOS app that Duolingo offers makes it easy for students to study wherever they go.