Learning foreign languages ​​through the application, effective or not?

As technology advances, more and more things can be done using only the internet and cell phones. This is of course used by most people to make it easier for them to do something via applications, including learning languages. So, is it effective to learn a language with just an application?

Explanation of language learning with applications that turned out to be effective

It is no secret that there are many benefits of learning a foreign language. Starting from helping sharpen memory to adding insight to other countries offered from learning foreign languages.

Therefore, it is not surprising that people are competing to learn foreign languages, whether it's English or other languages ​​in order to get these benefits. One method of self-taught learning that many people do is learning via applications.

Without help from tutors or experts, some people find learning foreign languages ​​with apps is even more effective. This is evidenced by a study from Michigan State University.

Experts in the study mentioned that the participants who learned foreign languages ​​via the application were able to develop their skills in both grammar, vocabulary and oral communication.

Research published in the journal Foreign Language Annals this was attended by 85 undergraduate students from Michigan State University. They were asked to use a foreign language learning app for 12 weeks to learn Spanish.

Participants are required to take a test to assess speech, vocabulary and grammar. After 12 weeks, the 54 students who completed the research requirements took the test again to see if their abilities had improved or not.

As a result, the ability of almost all of the participants improved, both in their knowledge of language and in how to communicate. This makes the researchers conclude that it is possible to learn a foreign language using an application that is fairly effective.

Meanwhile, 59% of participants who managed to develop their level of ability also reported an increasing proportion of learning. That is, half of the study participants spent more time studying.

However, researchers caution that nothing can replace classrooms and human interaction when learning begins. The use of applications for language learning can indeed be used, but in addition to face-to-face teaching to make it more effective.

The advantages of learning languages ​​using applications

Learning foreign languages ​​with applications is quite effective. Moreover, in this age of advanced technology, many people, including students, rely on cellphones and applications to support the learning process.

Here are some of the advantages offered by using applications for learning foreign languages.

1. Access is always available

Learning foreign languages ​​with the help of applications does offer a number of advantages and one of them is the availability of access.

Application users no longer need to go to the course to study. They can access language course content anywhere and anytime. This also makes it easier for them to manage their time to study, making it more flexible.

2. Can interact directly with the instructor

Apart from always available access, learning languages ​​with the application also makes it easier for users to interact directly with the instructor.

When learning something, of course there will be questions that arise. If questions come up later, you may miss the opportunity to ask questions in class. However, this does not apply when using applications to learn languages.

Generally, learning a language via the app has the facility to communicate directly with the teacher. The ease of sending this message encourages students to ask questions and is usually answered well by the application used.

In some cases, this advantage also strengthens the relationship between students and language tutors and they do not need to contact the instructor via other media.

3. No need to bother with heavy books

The ease of access and flexibility offered by foreign learning applications also frees people, especially students, from carrying textbooks. When learning a foreign language, of course everyone needs to bring a dictionary to make it easier for them to learn.

With the convenience of this cellphone application, it turns out that it reduces the weight in student backpacks which of course can have an impact on their health. Therefore, learning applications are more often referred to as digital backpack because it contains many things in one object.

In Indonesia, there are many foreign language learning applications that can be downloaded by everyone, including children. It's just that, using applications is not the only method that is considered effective for everyone to learn languages ​​easily.