A language learning website that uses gaming to keep learners motivated. Easy to navigate lessons are personalized, immediate feedback is provided, "rewards" are handed out as levels are mastered. Can be used for independent practice, or in a lab setting. The learning program is based on language-acquisition research and makes the claim: "34 hours of Duolingo are equal to 1 university semester of language courses".
This site may also be of interest to teachers interested in acquiring another language. There are 33 languages to choose from, including Klingon - not kidding!
Teachers and English learners can access Oxford University Press’s high quality sample materials for free. The Bookshelf offers e-books for use on iPad and tablets for Android, as well as computer access online and via desktop apps. Students can use their preferred device. There is a selection of coursebooks and Graded Readers for different student levels and interests. An access code is required. Teachers can use the Bookshelf to create classes and monitor student progress, assign e-books, set up Reading Circles, and provide materials for independent study. Registration is required.
Talk English is a website intended for students wanting to build skills independently outside the formal classroom. The target skills are expressive language specifically speaking: vocabulary, pronunciation and writing; grammar, sentence structure; as well as receptive language- specifically listening exercises, note-taking and reading comprehension. The strength is that the lessons are in different format options: 1)written content on screen, 2) video lessons and 3) three-part lessons where the student listens to the dialogue, takes a quiz and then reads the dialogue transcript. There is also content related to business English and conversational English, referencing socio-cultural competency. The gap in this tool is that there is not any specific resources for teachers with regards to professional development as the content is video based and has built in assessment.
