Maximizing the Use of Language Learning Apps

Do they actually help you reach a high level of fluency?

I was recently playing around with Aomi, a Japanese pronunciation app, similar to ELSA. It provides language learners the opportunity to enhance their speaking skills without the pressure of conversing with others. I tested it with my colleagues, and we were all amused by their surprisingly low scores. This was intriguing, considering they are both native Japanese speakers and professionals who teach young students in reading aloud and articulation. It was interesting to watch them scrutinize the pitch accent and intonation, as it confirmed my feelings about heavily relying on an app for language studies - it’s impossible to fully depend on them as there is always a limit to what you can learn.

If you’re like me, language learning apps are one of the main ways that I study because they allow me to learn at my own pace and convenience such as on my commutes to work or lunch breaks. Looking back, I realize that I began learning Japanese with apps and sometimes now wonder if my inability to stick with textbooks is because they lack the interactive allure gamification brings. 

But do apps actually work? 

My colleagues posed this question to me as they contemplated the different resources I used while studying Japanese. They wondered if they could achieve a conversational fluency level in English using the same method. A quick search led me to a study by Loewen, Isbell, and Sporn (2020) from the University of Michigan. The study involved 83 undergraduates who used an app called Babbel to study Spanish for 10 minutes a day over 12 weeks. According to Loewen’s survey, nearly all participants improved their grammar and vocabulary, with almost 60 percent. The app also help enhance their oral proficiency. However, those who used the app for longer durations saw even greater improvements in their vocabulary and grammar skills. Unfortunately, over a third (36%) of participants did not complete the study, highlighting the importance of genuine human interaction.

In a 2016 collection of empirical studies, Sato and Ballinger explored the significance of peer interaction in second language learning. This aspect is particularly critical for sustaining motivation and achieving language proficiency. Their research indicated that interaction with others, particularly teachers, is essential for language learners of all skill levels because timely feedback is crucial. For instance, apps that provide quizzes with immediate right or wrong answers serve as examples of such feedback. If a learner gets an answer correct (even if it’s just a guess) or incorrect, they might lack understanding and not have access to an explanation as to why a particular response is correct. Moreover, seeking explanations could potentially render things less meaningful, thereby reducing the likelihood of retention. (You can check out my earlier article on meaningful context for more information).

So, to my colleagues, the answer would be no. The use of apps alone won’t make them achieve the same level of proficiency in English as I have in Japanese because I have the advantage of a) immersion and b) immediate feedback in the form of students who pounce on every opportunity they can to help me smooth out my language mistakes. They will, however, serve as great foundational resources!

In the end, I believe that the tools we choose can significantly influence our proficiency and depth of understanding. Simply put, we learn from where we put our efforts. When it comes to utilizing language learning apps, it’s important to strategically select those that align directly with our learning objectives. For instance, if our goal is to expand our vocabulary, using an Anki deck will result in us knowing more words than a learner who doesn’t. If we aim to boost our reading comprehension, an effective app specializing in intensive reading can be a game-changer. Any well-executed platform that we engage with regularly will naturally enhance our abilities. However, while strategic use of apps can yield significant results, it’s equally important to remember their limitations.

While using apps strategically can yield significant results, it’s equally important not to lose sight of the value of human interaction. After all, language at its core is about communication. It’s crucial to find a balance between using language learning apps, interacting with other speakers, and receiving immediate constructive feedback. Having the ability to contextualize what we have learned enriches our understanding of cultural nuances. This helps us not only become knowledgeable about the language we are learning but also competent enough to apply it wherever needed.

How much are apps a part of your language studies? How do you balance them out with meaningful interaction? Let me know in the comments below.

TL;DR

• Only a small percentage of people studied for the recommended 10 minutes a day or an hour a week.

• Almost 60% of the people who used these apps improvement in their language skills.

• It is suggested that apps are best used as a supplement to traditional language classrooms.

• Using these alongside classroom instruction provides with more exposure to the language and additional instruction.

Peer Interaction and Language Learning Takeaways

• Language Practice: Peer interaction allows second language learners to practice the language in a non-threatening environment. It offers opportunities to use the language for genuine communication.

• Feedback: Learners can give and receive feedback during peer interaction. This feedback, whether it’s correction of errors or other forms of response, helps learners to improve their language skills.

• Negotiation of Meaning: During interaction, learners often need to negotiate meaning to ensure understanding. This process of negotiation pushes learners to use the language more accurately and fluently.

• Sociocultural Theory Application: According to sociocultural theory, social interaction is crucial for cognitive development. Language is a primary tool for intellectual development, and peer interaction provides an important context for this.

• Motivation: Interacting with peers can also enhance motivation to learn and use the language. It can make the learning process more enjoyable and meaningful.

• Learning from Peers: Learners can learn from their peers who may have different strengths, strategies, or knowledge about the language. Peer teaching can be a powerful tool in second language acquisition.