36.722, FYI: Swansea University Language Research Centre seminar: Prof Shawn Loewen "How effective are language learning apps?"

[The LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-36-722. Thu Feb 27 2025. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 36.722, FYI: Swansea University Language Research Centre seminar: Prof Shawn Loewen "How effective are language learning apps?"

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Date: 27-Feb-2025
From: Vivienne Rogers [v.e.rogers at swansea.ac.uk]
Subject: Swansea University Language Research Centre seminar: Prof Shawn Loewen "How effective are language learning apps?"


We are delighted to welcome Prof Loewen to Swansea to give a talk
titled “How effective are language learning apps?: Studies of Duolingo
and Babbel” on 5th March @ 2pm. The event will by hybrid and all are
welcome.
SWANSEA UNIVERSITY
LANGUAGE RESEARCH CENTRE SEMINAR SERIES
Wednesday, 5th March, 14:00-15:00
Singleton Campus, Keir Hardie Annex 038
Zoom link:
https://swanseauniversity.zoom.us/j/92225426267?pwd=tNzDLuejWK6tNCO8iaHTfAqcMoWl8I.1
Meeting ID: 922 2542 6267
Passcode: 569682
How effective are language learning apps?: Studies of Duolingo and
Babbel
Professor Shawn Loewen, Second Language Studies (Michigan State
University)
The use of language learning apps to study an additional language on
mobile phones, tablets, and laptops has become very popular, providing
interested language learners with access to learning materials anytime
and anywhere. Apps such as Duolingo and Babbel, among others, have
millions of users and continue to increase in popularity. However,
some apps also make claims that seem too good to be true: Speak a
language in 21 days. Most people can speak within 5 hours. 90-95%
success rate with 35 hours. But are these apps really effective? This
presentation will explore a) independent research studies
investigating the effectiveness of Babbel and Duolingo, b) the pros
and cons of language apps, c) the teaching methodologies used by these
apps, and d) the apps’ motivational mechanisms, paying special
attention to gamification strategies. The presentation will end with
suggestions for how to ensure that language learners can receive
greater benefits from using language learning apps to study a foreign
language.
Shawn Loewen is Professor in the Applied Linguistics program at
Michigan State University. His research interests include instructed
second language acquisition, classroom interaction, and
mobile-assisted language learning. In addition to numerous articles in
top journals, his publications include the third edition of his book
Introduction to Instructed Second Language Acquisition (2025), a
co-authored undergraduate textbook A Practical Guide to Second
Language Teaching and Learning (with Sato, 2024) and the co-edited The
Routledge Handbook of Instructed Second Language Acquisition (with
Sato, 2017). In addition, an edited volume (Loewen, Poole, Hwang, &
Coss) titled Technology and Instructed Second Language Acquisition
will be published by John Benjamins in mid-2025. He is the associate
editor of The Modern Language Journal.

Linguistic Field(s): Applied Linguistics
                     Language Acquisition




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