Learning English Language with Some Tools

Learning English Language with Some Tools

Hello everyone, let me introduce myself. my name is Klarantina Yeltrina you can call me Yeltrin. I am a student in the English Language Education program at Widya Mandala University in Surabaya. In this blog, I will explain "Learning English with Some Tools." Let's get started.

"Learning English" refers to the process of acquiring and developing the skills and knowledge necessary to understand, speak, read, and write in the English language. This typically involves gaining proficiency in English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension. People learn English for various reasons, such as for communication, travel, work, education, or personal enrichment. "Learning English with Some Tools" refers to the methods that can be used to learn the English language by utilizing various tools or learning resources. This can include various methods, applications, books, websites, or other resources used to aid in the process of learning English. What I will explain is learning through the use of applications. These are some of the applications that are used:

• Duolingo

Duolingo is a user-friendly app that offers a gamified approach to language learning. It covers various aspects of language learning, including vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking. The app is suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.

How to use Duolingo:

1. Download and Install Duolingo:

-Visit your app store (e.g., Google Play Store, Apple App Store) on your mobile device. 

-Search for "Duolingo" and download the app. 

-Install and open the app.

2. Create an Account:

-When you open the app, you'll be prompted to create an account. You can sign up using your email address or a Google or Apple account.

3. Choose Your Language:

-After creating an account, select the language you want to learn. Duolingo offers a wide range of languages.

4. Set Your Daily Goal:

-Duolingo allows you to set a daily learning goal. You can choose how much time you want to spend learning each day.

5. Start with Basics:

Duolingo will guide you through the basics of the language, starting with common words and phrases.

6. Complete Lessons:

Duolingo lessons are divided into various topics. Work through these topics one by one. Each lesson covers vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and listening exercises.

Advantages and Disadvantages Duolingo. 

Advantages 

1. User-Friendly and Accessible: Duolingo's app and website are user-friendly and accessible to a wide range of users. You can learn from your computer or mobile device.
2. Gamified Learning: Duolingo uses a gamified approach, making learning fun and engaging. You earn points, streaks, and virtual currency as you progress, which can motivate consistent learning.
3. Wide Language Selection: Duolingo offers courses in a wide range of languages, including less commonly taught ones.
4. Free Content: Most of Duolingo's content is available for free. This makes it accessible to learners who may not have the financial resources for traditional language courses.
5. Structured Learning: Duolingo provides a structured curriculum, guiding learners through various topics, including vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and listening.
6. Convenient for Beginners: Duolingo is a great starting point for beginners to get familiar with a new language's basics.
7. Mobile App: The mobile app allows for on-the-go learning, which is convenient for people with busy schedules.

Reflection Dualingo

Duolingo is a helpful app for learning languages. It's easy to use and accessible for many people. It's interactive and lets you track your progress. However, it may not be the best for practicing speaking, and it's good to use it along with other methods. So, Duolingo is a useful starting point for language learning, but it's essential to mix it with other ways to speak and understand the language better. Duolingo is a language-learning app that's easy to use. It's good for beginners and tracks your progress. However, it might not help much with speaking skills. It's best when used with other methods for more effective learning. 

•  Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is a language learning software and online platform that offers an immersive and interactive approach to learning a new language. It is known for its distinctive methodology and has been widely used as a language learning tool.

How to Use Rosetta Stone:  

1. Get Rosetta Stone: Buy and install Rosetta Stone for your desired language
2. Create an Account: Sign up and activate your product.
3. Choose a Language: Select the language you want to learn.
4. Start Lessons: Begin with the first lesson and work your way through the program.
5. Complete Activities: Rosetta Stone provides various activities like listening, reading, speaking, and writing exercises. Do them to learn.     

Advantages and disadvantages Rosetta Stone:

Advantages:

1. Structured Learning: Rosetta Stone provides a structured language learning curriculum, which is especially useful for beginners.
2.  Immersive Approach: The program uses an immersive method, teaching you to think in the target language rather than translating from your native language.
3.  Flexible and Self-Paced: You can learn at your own pace and fit your lessons into your schedule.
4. Visual and Interactive: Rosetta Stone incorporates images, audio, and interactive exercises to engage multiple senses, which can enhance retention.
5.  Progress Tracking: The platform offers progress tracking tools, so you can see how far you've come.
6.  Accessibility: It's available on various devices and platforms, making it convenient for learners.
7.  Variety of Languages: Rosetta Stone offers a wide range of languages to learn.

Disadvantages: 

1. Limited Speaking Practice: While it teaches vocabulary and grammar well, it may not provide enough speaking practice to develop fluent conversational skills.
2. Lack of Cultural Context: Rosetta Stone focuses more on language skills and less on cultural context, which is important for true language fluency
3.  Cost: The full version of Rosetta Stone can be relatively expensive, and some features may require a subscription
4. Monotonous: Some users find the repetitive nature of the exercises monotonous. 
5. Not Ideal for Advanced Learners: The program is best suited for beginners and intermediate learners. Advanced learners might find it less useful.
6. Limited Real-World Application: It may not fully prepare you for real-world situations or advanced language proficiency.

Reflection Rosetta Stone:

Rosetta Stone is a language-learning program. It's structured and helpful for beginners. You can learn at your own pace, and it uses pictures and activities. But it's not the best for speaking practice. It's just one tool, so combine it with other methods for better results. Rosetta Stone is a language-learning program. It's structured and good for beginners. You can learn at your own pace and it uses pictures and activities. But it might not be the best for speaking practice. It's just one tool, so combine it with other methods for better language learning results. Rosetta Stone can provide a solid foundation, but real-world practice and cultural immersion are essential for becoming fluent.

• Memrise

Rosetta Stone is a language learning software and online platform that offers an immersive and interactive approach to learning a new language. It is known for its distinctive methodology and has been widely used as a language learning tool.

How to Use Memrise: 

1.       Sign Up or Log In:

     Visit the Memrise website (www.memrise.com) or download the Memrise app from your         device's app store.

         Create an account by signing up with your email, Google, or Facebook account. If you                 already have an account, simply log in.

2.     Select a Course: Once you're logged in, you can choose a language course to get started. Memrise offers a variety of courses, so select the one that matches your language learning goals.

3.     Start Learning: After selecting a course, you can begin learning. Courses are divided into lessons, each of which focuses on specific words or phrases.

4.     Learn New Words: Memrise uses a spaced repetition system (SRS) and mnemonic techniques to help you remember words and phrases. You'll typically encounter flashcards with words or phrases, and you'll learn their meanings and pronunciation.

5. Practice: Practice what you've learned by engaging in interactive exercises, quizzes, and games. Memrise offers various types of exercises to reinforce your knowledge.

6.    Audio and Pronunciation: Pay attention to the audio clips provided, as they help with pronunciation and listening comprehension. Many courses include native speaker audio.

Advantages and Disadvantages Memrise:

Advantages: 

1.   Effective Vocabulary Building: Memrise excels in teaching and reinforcing vocabulary. Its use of mnemonic techniques and spaced repetition makes it effective for memorizing words and phrases.

2.    Engaging and Interactive: The interactive nature of Memrise's lessons, quizzes, and games makes learning engaging and fun, which can help maintain motivation.

3.    User-Created Content: Users can create and share their own courses, which means you have access to a wide variety of language courses created by the Memrise community.

4.     Audio and Pronunciation: Many courses include native speaker audio, aiding in pronunciation and listening comprehension.

5.    Community and Leaderboards: The Memrise community allows you to connect with other learners and compete on leaderboards, adding a social and competitive aspect to your learning.

6.    Wide Language Selection: Memrise offers courses in numerous languages, including less commonly taught ones.

7.    Accessible on Multiple Devices: You can use Memrise on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, making it convenient for learning on the go.

8.   Free Version Available: Memrise offers a free version with many useful features, including access to a wide range of courses. 

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Focus: While Memrise is excellent for vocabulary building, it may not provide the depth required for advanced language proficiency. It doesn't cover grammar and language structure comprehensively.
2. Lack of Cultural Context: Memrise primarily focuses on vocabulary and may not provide significant cultural context, which is essential for understanding the practical use of the language.
3. Overemphasis on Vocabulary: Some users might find that Memrise places too much emphasis on vocabulary and doesn't adequately address other language skills like speaking and writing.
4. Variable Course Quality: The quality of Memrise courses can vary because many are user-created. This means that not all courses may be equally effective or accurate.
5. No Offline Access for All Courses: While some courses can be downloaded for offline learning, not all are available for this feature.
6. Free Version Contains Ads: The free version includes ads, which can be distracting for some users.

Reflection Memrise: 

Memrise is a helpful tool for learning vocabulary. It's fun and interactive, which keeps you engaged. The mnemonic techniques and spaced repetition are great for memorization. It's good for building a foundation in a language. However, it doesn't cover grammar and speaking practice as much. User-created courses can vary in quality, and the free version has ads. Overall, it's a valuable resource when used alongside other language learning tools. Memrise is fun for vocabulary. Mnemonics and repetition help memory. Best for basics. User courses vary. Free version has ads. Complements other learning tools well.

• Babbel

                                     

                                                          

Babbel is an online language learning platform that provides courses in multiple languages. It focuses on practical language skills, such as speaking and conversation.

How to Use Babbel:

1.       Sign Up or Log In:

Ø  Visit the Babbel website (www.babbel.com) or download the Babbel app from your device's app store.

Ø  Create an account by signing up with your email or Google/Facebook account. If you already have an account, log in.

2.       Select a Language Course:

After signing in, choose the language you want to learn. Babbel offers courses in multiple languages.

3.       Assess Your Current Level (Optional):

Babbel may offer a placement test to assess your current language proficiency. This helps determine the appropriate starting point in the course.

4.       Start with the First Lesson:

Begin with the first lesson or module. Lessons are structured and designed to take you through a progressive learning path.

5.       Learn Vocabulary and Grammar:

Lessons include vocabulary, grammar, and conversational elements. Work through exercises and interactive lessons.

6.       Practice Speaking and Listening:

Babbel offers exercises for speaking and listening, which help with pronunciation and comprehension.

7.       Take Quizzes and Exercises:

Complete quizzes and exercises at the end of each lesson to reinforce your learning.

    Advantages and Disadvantages Babbel:

    Advantages:

1.       Practical Language Skills: Babbel focuses on real-life language use and practical skills, making it ideal for learners looking to use the language in everyday situations.

2.    Structured Learning Path: The platform offers a structured and progressive curriculum, ensuring that learners build their language skills in a systematic way.

3.      Interactive and Engaging: Babbel's interactive lessons, exercises, and quizzes make learning engaging and enjoyable.

4.      Speech Recognition: The speech recognition feature helps learners improve their pronunciation by comparing their speech to native speakers.

5.      Wide Language Selection: Babbel provides courses in multiple languages, including less commonly taught ones.

6.      Progress Tracking: Users can easily monitor their learning progress and see how well they're doing in various language skills.

Disadvantages:

1.       Emphasis on Vocabulary: While Babbel is strong in vocabulary and conversation, it may not provide as much coverage of advanced grammar and writing skills.

2.      Limited Cultural Immersion: The cultural context provided by Babbel is somewhat limited compared to a complete immersion experience.

3.      Paid Subscription: Access to the full range of Babbel's features and content often requires a paid subscription, which may not be suitable for all learners.

4.      Potential Variability in Course Quality: As with any language learning platform, the quality of courses may vary, especially if they are created by users.

5.       No Speaking Partners: Babbel doesn't provide speaking partners or direct interaction with native speakers for practicing conversational skills.

6.      Less Intensive Pronunciation Practice: While it offers pronunciation practice, Babbel may not provide as intensive a focus on pronunciation as some other platforms.

Reflection Babbel:

Babbel is great for practical language skills. It's structured and engaging, with a focus on everyday conversation. The speech recognition is helpful. There's a wide range of languages available. Tracking progress is easy. However, it doesn't cover advanced grammar or cultural immersion deeply. Paid subscription needed for full access. Course quality can vary. Overall, it's a user-friendly tool for building conversational skills but may need to be supplemented for a comprehensive language learning experience.

• HelloTalk

HelloTalk is a language exchange and language learning app that connects people from around the world to help them learn and practice new languages.

How to Use HelloTalk:

1.       Download and Install HelloTalk:

Ø  Visit your device's app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).

Ø  Search for "HelloTalk" and download the app.

Ø  Install and open the app.

2.       Create an Account:

When you open the app, you'll be prompted to create an account. You can sign up with your email, phone number, or by linking your Google or Facebook account.

3.       Set Up Your Profile:

After creating an account, set up your profile. Add your name, profile picture, and details about the languages you want to learn and the ones you can teach.

4.       Find Language Partners:

Use the "Search" feature to find language partners who are native speakers of the language you want to learn and who want to learn your native language. You can filter your search by location, age, and more.

5.       Initiate a Conversation:

Send a message or language exchange request to a potential language partner. Start by introducing yourself and sharing your language learning goals.

6.       Language Exchange:

Once you connect with a language partner, you can engage in language exchange. You can use text messaging, voice messages, and even video calls to practice speaking, listening, and writing in the target language.

Advantages dan Disadvantages HelloTalk: 

Advantages: 

1.       Real Language Practice: HelloTalk provides authentic language practice with native speakers, helping learners improve their speaking, listening, and writing skills.

2.      Diverse Language Options: You can find language partners for a wide range of languages, including less commonly taught ones.

3.       Correction and Feedback: HelloTalk's correction tool allows users to receive feedback on their language use, enhancing their understanding of grammar and vocabulary.

4.       Cultural Insights: Users can learn about the culture and traditions of their language partners, adding context to language learning.

5.       Versatile Communication: HelloTalk supports text messaging, voice messages, and video calls, allowing users to choose their preferred mode of communication.

6.      Offline Learning: Certain features and messages can be accessed offline, enabling learning without an internet connection.

7.       Community Engagement: The "Moments" feature fosters interaction with the language learning community, providing additional practice opportunities.

8.      Free Version Available: Many useful features are available in the free version of HelloTalk.

9.       Personalized Learning: Users can tailor their language exchange and learning experiences to their needs and goals.

Disadvantages:

1.       Language Partner Variability: The quality of language partners can vary, as can their availability and commitment to language exchange.

2.       Potential Time Zone Differences: Language partners may be in different time zones, which can affect the timing of communication.

3.      Limited Focus on Advanced Grammar: While HelloTalk is excellent for conversational practice, it may not provide in-depth coverage of advanced grammar and writing skills.

4.      Overwhelming for Beginners: Beginners might find HelloTalk somewhat overwhelming, as it involves real-time interactions with native speakers.

5.      Privacy Concerns: Sharing personal information and engaging in conversations with strangers may raise privacy concerns for some users.

6.      Premium Subscription: Some advanced features and benefits may require a premium subscription.

Reflection HelloTalk:

HelloTalk is fantastic for language practice with native speakers. It's diverse, interactive, and engaging. Correction tools are helpful, and cultural insights add depth. However, finding the right language partner can be a bit unpredictable. It's excellent for improving speaking and listening skills but might not cover advanced grammar. It's especially great for those who value real-world conversations and cultural exchange.

 AUTONOMOUS REFLECTION

1. Autonomous learning is about an individual's ability to take charge of their own learning process, often outside the formal educational environment. Why is important because of efficiency, safety, accesibility, exploration, and scability.

2. Student-center learning, flipped classroom, goal setting, inquiry-based learning, self-assesment, collaborative learning, reflection and metacognition, resource exploration, feedback and guidance.

3. Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing and revisiting material at increasing intervals over time to improve long-term retention.

Example: You might review information right after school and then actively recall the information in a few hours, a few days, then a few weeks later.

4. There's isn't any.

TED REFLECTION

I recently watched a TED Talk titled "What Would Happen If You Didn't Drink Water" by Mia Nacamulli. This talk was incredibly enlightening and taught me many important lessons about the significance of water in our lives. In this video, Mia Nacamulli presented data and facts that revealed how vital water is for the human body. She discussed how our bodies heavily rely on water to perform essential functions, including regulating body temperature, eliminating toxins, and maintaining fluid balance. One crucial point I took away from this presentation was how water plays a role in our overall health. Mia Nacamulli eloquently explained how dehydration can have a negative impact on various aspects of health, including concentration, energy, and digestive system function. When Mia Nacamulli described the experiments conducted to illustrate the effects of dehydration, it truly captivated me. I became more aware of the importance of keeping the body hydrated throughout the day. This speech also reminded me that we often take many simple things, like drinking water, for granted. As a result of this TED Talk, I am committed to paying more attention to my water intake and making it a habit to drink water regularly throughout the day. I also feel compelled to share this knowledge with the people around me so they, too, can recognize the importance of hydration. As I reflect on this speech, I realize that we often overlook things we consider trivial, even though they have a significant impact on our health. "What Would Happen If You Didn't Drink Water" serves as a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to keep our bodies hydrated and focus on holistic health. Overall, this TED Talk is a valuable source of inspiration and knowledge, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of water in our lives.

LINK TED: 

https://ed.ted.com/on/Dl4bmQ6d

A