Tech edge: Meeting the digital student where they live
Tech Edge is an Educational Project from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that focuses on leveraging technology to improve teaching and learning. Below I'll list what I thought was most important to know about Tech Edge.
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Language APPS: DUOLINGO and CHINESE SKILL
Making Foreign Languages Less "Foreign"
I looked at two Language Apps: Duolingo and ChineseSkill. Both are top language learning applications and both are available on a wide variety of platforms for iOS, Android and PC. Both are FREE on all platforms.
Duolingo
Pros:
ChineseSkill
Pros:
Duolingo
Pros:
- Has 19 available language courses for English Speakers
- You can take a six skill placement test and get level appropriate lessons from the start
- You can jump right in if you choose
- Truly engaging activities
- Has English Language Courses in most other languages (perfect for English Language Learners)
- Courses available for non-English speakers (such as Spanish to French, Chinese to Spanish, etc)
- On the Go options and you can use a Google login (eliminates remembering another username and password)
- Cultural component missing
- Does not offer Chinese Language Course
ChineseSkill
Pros:
- Targeted to a beginner
- Offers courses from 8 different languages (such as Spanish and French speakers) to Chinese
- Fun and engaging activities
- Single login can access course from multiple devices so student can switch from one device to another (school to car to home) without missing a beat
- Speaking practice would be difficult
- Cultural component missing