Duolingo and HelloTalk: analyzing and evaluating language learning applications using SLA theory and user feedback

This study performs an evaluation of two language learning apps using established SLA principles and user-feedback through a survey and interviews. A survey asking users about level appropriateness, focus on form, Zone of Proximal Development and scaffolding, interaction, communicative language, noticing, and motivation and gamification was administered and followed up by interviews for details. Results showed that users generally rated Duolingo well in most capacities with its strongest factor being vocabulary for specific contexts and scenarios, but that the app was rarely rated as excellent in any category because of oversimplified grammar instruction, poor focus on form in terms of pronunciation, and some aspects of the app that lead to user frustration. HelloTalk however was often rated evenly across categories and ratings or in some cases had users give opposite or scattered ratings, with the general defining factor in satisfaction being whether the user found a reliable and helpful language exchange. Implications of these findings for app developers and app users is discussed in the conclusion.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Teaching of English Sec Lang

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Schroeder, Robert Charles

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sadler, Randall
• Pierce, Lisa

• Second Language Acquisition
• Applications
• Duolingo
• HelloTalk
• Evaluation
• Survey
• Focus on Form
• Communicative Language
• Noticing
• Gamification
• Learner Motivation
• Level Appropriateness

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2021 Robert Schroeder

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/113036

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/113036