Evaluating Duolingo

 ACADEMIC SOFTWARE EVALUATION RUBRIC

Evaluate the academic software by rating the features listed below. Selecting the cell that best reflects your opinion and record the total

Software: Duolingo

Description: Language-Learning Software

Vendor: Duolingo Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Notes on Use: Used by students, educators and professionals for learning a new language or for re-visiting a language met previously.

Name of Participant: Deborah Callender 

As can be seen from the rubric above, the total score is 51 out of a possible 55.  This gives a percentage of 93.   

One may ask , "So what are some of the features  of Duolingo  as Academic Software?  Well, as mentioned earlier, the features of Duolingo include adaptive learning which allows the user to learn at his or her own pace and style; personalizing the learning experience.  

It also offers progress tracking at all levels; earning points and reaching different targets so that the teacher can keep track of the achievements while their students learn.  This can be found in the Save Features.

Another feature which enhances the experience for the student is the gamification and Active Learning approach to introducing the new concepts with rewards being given at varying levels of attainment; this is particularly appealing and fun to younger students, as can be seen in the video below.  

The mobile accessibility is yet another feature which is important especially for the student, since the lessons can be accessed at anytime; in the classroom, at home and even while travelling as long as there is access to a mobile device for the app.  These are a few of the features this piece of software offers.

Sounds perfect?  Well, like most things in life, it has its pros and cons. 

The first benefit of using Duolingo as a piece of Academic Software is that it can offer language proficiency certification tests.  The results of these tests would be needed by students who desire to concretize their language skills for further professional or academic pursuits.

Secondly, the lessons are interactive.  This moves way past the traditional 'chalk and talk'. Students can feel in control of their learning while the 4 crucial language-learning skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) are perfected in a meaningful way.

Finally and perhaps most importantly, Duolingo's basic features are free of cost.  In this post-Covid 19 environment we see some parents have not been able to re-gain employment.  The free access is extremely beneficial to students who would not be able to afford expensive language-learning resources.

In terms of the limitations or disadvantages,  I can think of a few...

1.  The user MUST have constant access to a working device.  

2.  Users can find themselves spending inordinate amounts of time before a computer screen; which      isn't always good for one's eyes.

3.  The speaking practice is incorporated into the Duolingo lessons, but not in as great a measure as the listening, reading and writing practices.  When learning a language, speaking fluently is crucial.

4.  Translation exercises are used a lot in this software.  However, greater opportunities need to be provided for more natural language acquisition and production.

So, let's summarize our findings...