The Limitations of Language Apps
Jason Kottke,
kottke.org,
May 07, 2019
This relates to the debate between instructivist and inquiry-based learning, mentioned here today. The gist of this article, based on a NY Times article, is that language learning apps will help you learn a language, but only to a certain point. After that, instruction won't help; you need practice speaking the language in a much less structured manner with native speakers. "Tandem is one such service... other sites that help connect you with native speakers are Verbling and Italki, and HelloTalk." I think this is true generally. Instruction will get you to a certain level of knowledge very quickly (and naturally, that's where all the studies are focused), but if you want to become fluent in a discipline, instruction won't be sufficient (and if you've come to depend on instruction in order to learn, it might actually be harmful, because when you eventually need it, you won't know how to learn on your own).
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