We live in a world of digital revolution that has significantly changed different aspects of our lives including education. With the increase of digital technologies and the internet, the way we learn has been transformed. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using digital tools to enhance your language learning as well as looking at some examples of the most popular digital learning tools to help you learn anything. To understand the benefits of these tools, we first need to know what exactly a digital learning tool is.
What are 'digital learning tools'?
Digital learning tools are digital resources that have been developed specifically for the learning process. They range from interactive websites and platforms to learning apps, software, e-books and digital textbooks. When we use digital tools, learning apps take a significant role because they give us direct access to the digital tool.
The benefits of using digital learning tools
Flexibility
Digital learning tools offer flexible learning options that allow you to learn at your own pace, place, and time.
Accessibility
Learning tools enable access to educational content and resources from anywhere in the world, as long as there is an internet connection.
Customisation
These apps offer tailor-made learning experiences that meet your own needs and interests.
Gamification
Learning tools often incorporate gamification elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards to motivate and engage yourself. This can make learning more enjoyable and rewarding.
Real-time feedback
Learning tools provide real-time feedback on your progress, allowing you to identify areas where you need improvement and adjust your learning accordingly.
Interactive learning
Digital learning tools provide real-time feedback on your progress, allowing you to identify areas where you need improvement and adjust your learning accordingly.
Popular digital learning apps
Quizlet
Quizlet is a a web tool and a mobile app that boosts your learning through several study tools that include flashcards and game-based quizzes. You can either design your own study sets from scratch or use the pre-made sets created by your tutor (or other tutors).
Anki
Anki is a flashcard software system that uses recall and spaced repetition to help you remember facts. Anki is super flexible, and you can use the system to create and study flashcards on any subject you would like.
Kahoot
Kahoot is an online game-based learning platform. It has learning games, also known as "kahoots", which are user-generated multiple-choice quizzes that can be accessed via a web browser or the Kahoot! app. Kahoots are fun, interactive games to help you practise your target language and build your language skills.
Kahoot can be played in player-vs-player or team-vs-team modes or assigned as challenges for independent study. They can be used on desktop computers, tablets or smartphones, and give tutors the flexibility to use them in online lessons, in face-to-face classrooms, or at home.
Quizizz
Quizizz ia another online game-based learning platform. However, Quizizz offers more flexibility in terms of content that can be added to each question.
Podcasts for language learning
Podcasts can improve listening skills and boost motivation. They are very convenient as there is no restriction on time or place. Podcasts offer playback speed options which is a great feature when learning a language. You can slow down the content to focus on pronunciation and intonation or rewind and repeat tricky parts.
There is a vast range of podcasts available depending on your level. For example, podcasts for beginners are more suitable, if they include lessons, grammar tips and vocabulary. Podcasts that include stories, interviews or news in the target language are recommended for more advanced students.
Here are some examples of podcasts for learning Spanish: ‘Busuu’s Learn Spanish Podcast’, ‘Coffee Break Spanish’, ‘Duolingo Spanish Podcast’, ‘News in Slow Spanish’ and ‘Charlas Hispanas’ among others.
In conclusion, the digital revolution has had a significant impact on education, transforming the way we learn and teach. Learning apps offer lots of benefits that make them invaluable resources. Learning apps provide students with the tools to learn effectively and efficiently, from increased engagement and motivation to improved knowledge retention. However, it is important for tutors to adapt and embrace new teaching methods and technologies to provide students the best possible learning experiences.
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