LingQ is a multi-language learning system as well as a language learning community. The methodology of the website is based on the founders experience learning 11 languages as well as research from Stephen Krashen. The goal of this site is to build a community of learners that form a language exchange and social network. The main approach to learning language from LingQ is to listen to podcasts and other audio/video resources found on the internet that are provided by other members and LingQ resources.
Many members feel that they can have genuine experiences with the target language using sources of target language audio, video, and interactive language exchange without having to be in a country that speaks the target language. Vocabulary words can be saved, categorized, and placed in flashcards. Personal tutors (other members) are available to interact with learners and offer practice and feedback. The most effective application of this system seems to be reading and listening. It is easy and free to use, but in order to unlock all features there is a fee of $10 per month.
For a highly motivated learner, this might be a helpful website. Because the personal tutors are those also wanting to learn a language and not necessarily trained in language education, it is difficult to judge how helpful that interaction and feedback would be. For some, it could be very helpful, and for others it might not be effective. The social element is interesting and provides a low stress platform for members to interact within a community. I understand the need to charge for some services, but I think a system like this would benefit the most by being free.
Being a somewhat paid service, it is hard to believe all the testimonials and reviews on the homepage. I would feel more informed about the language learning system if I spent more time using it or speaking with someone who actively uses LingQ. I registered as a free user and was surprised by the amount of resources available as a free user. There are a good bit of audio links and files included with transcripts for locating and saving difficult vocabulary. The main problem with this system is a lack of structure. It is open to beginners as well as advanced levels of learners, but all students need to be focused and organized to get the most benefit out of the program. I think this is the biggest issue users will face. A lack of organization and a lack of clear progression indicators create an easy situation for new users to gradually quit using it.
All in all it is an interesting concept that I would like to learn more about. The web design is clean and user-friendly allowing for easy transition between various language learning tools, but without a better defined path for learners, I think this is not going to be one of the most effective ways to learn a language.
Michael, LingQ is indeed unique and interesting. I'd like to learn more about the concept both related to technology and content. I was a little bit confuses with "My lesson" at first, but after rereading the guide, I understood the purpose of the activities. I also clicked on "vocabulary", "write", "speak", and "import". I like the idea that the website documents all of user' progress. I was also amazed with available schedule of the available tutors. Well, I didn't sign up to have a one-to-one conversation, but I am surprised that the schedule is updated daily.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that users might be confused because there is no structure. However, I'm curious to learn more about LingQ. Thanks for sharing.
How much did this feel like a commercial blog and how much did it feel like a language blog with a side offer of tutoring? I wonder how this system works and how they control quality. Do they offer a free month trial?
ReplyDeleteI received a free LingQ book one time at my school that has a demo cd and a practice workbook with it. It did seem like it was written well and had high quality activities in it. I'm sure the paid version of the website would be of similar quality too, but I would hesitate before joining due to all of the free resources that are out there.
ReplyDeleteMichael: this does look like an interesting site, although I didn't have time to look it overly too closely. It seems like something that I could certainly use for my own (somewhat haphazard) language study and maybe when I get to know it better, I could recommend certain features to students or encourage my colleagues to check it out for their classes.
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