The Disadvantages of Learning a New Language Through An App

Posted by Sam Briones on February 13, 2013

 

iphone app for language
image src: milocreative @flickr

One of the most common forms of technology that a lot of people have today are their smart phones, such as the iPhone, as well as their tablets, such as the Ipad or the Google Nexus. So it only makes sense for those who want to learn a new language to utilize these gadgets to their advantage right? Well, not quite. While it is true that there are plenty of advantages to learning a new language using IOS or Android apps, opting to do so with these gadgets may also have their hair share of disadvantages. Here are some very common ones.

1. People who decide to learn a new language via an app may not receive any push to improve- Apps are convenient because you don't have to schedule an appointment with a language teacher, all you need to do is turn on your phone and he's there. However, an app won't tell you that he'll see you next Thursday, or remind you to study up on your verbs. Without little things like this, then a person who may need that push will just give up, and simply not go further.

2. Learning a new language via an app does not make for a personalized experience- Let's say you decided to learn a new Language because you're going to another country for a buying trip. While a real-life teacher may be mindful of this, and center your exercises to those that can help you excel in that particular activity, an app won't do the same. With an app, one has no choice but to follow the pre-set format and hope for the best that the specification that you desire will somewhat be covered within the course, or version.

3. If the app developer isn't very active, then there may be some delays that can come with progressing in the language- Let's say you've downloaded the first module of the language app and are progressing rather quickly with it. You get the feeling that you'll be done with it soon, and are, naturally, looking to download the second module. Well, what if the developer doesn't have that yet? He may not have it ready, so it is not available for download. When this happens, a student's progress may be halted. He may get tired, or discouraged from the waiting, and will ultimately not continue.

So while learning a new language is possible with the help of apps, it may not be for everyone. If you're still deciding whether it is the right step for you, then examine yourself and your personality. Perhaps working for an app will work with you, and perhaps it won't

About Author: Guest post by Sam Briones, a freelance writer and also contributes at <a href="Technovate Translations. If not writing for the language and culture subject, she's on the keyboard writing about fashion and pop culture.

 
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