The Market Space
As of 2013, the market for language learning has been estimated at approximately $56.3 billion. The market for digital English language learning products was approximately $1.8 billion in 2013, with revenues expected to reach $3.1 billion by 2018. The market for digital non-English language learning products was approximately $1.1 billion in 2013, with revenues expected to reach $1.75 billion by 2018.
Duolingo
Was created by Carnegie Mellon University with the goal of teaching languages while also translating the Internet. Users are guided through the basics of a language and then use these basics to vote on translations of websites done by other Duolingo users. The learning takes the form of games and, medals and other awards are used to guide a users learning
Cost: Free
Strengths
- Free
- Gamification of lessons
- Easy and quick to use
- Real world content ensures authentic learning
Weaknesses
- Limited languages available to learn
- Limited spoken word interaction with other users
Reviews
Living Language Platinum
Living Language Platinum is a language-learning package put together by Random House. It includes a variety of learning tools such as online classes, mobile apps, books and online modules. The package can best be described as unstructured distance learning; maintaining the time and space affordances of other language learning software, but combining it with the benefits of having a language instructor.
Cost: $179 per year
Strengths
- Wide selections of apps
- Wide selections of languages
- Personalized tutoring sessions provided online
- Print material included with purchase
Weaknesses
- Lacks engaging activities
- Cost and year long subscription
- No speech-recognition technology
- Markers to indicate lesson completion and ineffective
Reviews
Hello-Hello World
Cost: $9.99 per month
Hello-Hello World mixes traditional language learning software, like flash cards and fill in the blank activities with crowd-sourced recordings. Users can give each other feedback and in-general support each other’s language development
Strengths
- Interactivity
- Variety of activities for learning and reviewing
Weaknesses
- Audio files require separate download
- Inherent problems with community-sourced language learning
- Poor App design makes it difficult to find what you want
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