On September 15, we celebrate Online Learning Day, which recognizes the vast potential of online education. Virtual learning, which accelerated as a result of the pandemic, expands educational access in critical ways. Duolingo for Schools is (obviously) a big fan of online learning and ensuring that our classroom tools foster inclusivity and equity in the classroom, from personalized curriculum to giving every student free access to the same high-quality material.
Our product is always built in collaboration with educators, and in fact, we have a vast network of language teachers who demonstrate next-level creativity when it comes to using online tools to enhance learning! From learning competitions to classroom book clubs, these teachers have found new and exciting ways to use Duolingo in their curriculum. Get inspired by their strategies!
Silly sentences can inspire serious learning
Pamela Parks prefers to have her students “offline” during class. With this in mind, she uses sentences from Duolingo lessons to implement a teaching strategy known as TPRS, or teaching proficiency through reading and storytelling. Pamela also uses Duolingo’s quirky sentences to create “Mad Libs” for her students, to help them delve deeper into grammar and vocabulary.
Classroom competitions help students hustle harder
Tom Mitchell uses Duolingo to increase his students’ motivation. Tom has created a system of certificates and Duolingo prizes that students can work to earn as they progress through their lessons. Students work hard to hit specific targets, and in doing so, spend extra time outside of class engaged in their ongoing language studies.
Diving into Stories
Katherine Wozniak has embraced Duolingo as the foundation of her learners’ curriculum. On Mondays, she hosts “Duolingo Storytime,” where her students host a book club-style review of a Duolingo Story. Throughout the week, students continue to practice the Story. Then, at the end of the week, Katherine uses a list of questions to guide her students through a more complex discussion.
These experiences show us that online tools don’t have to depersonalize the learning experience. In fact, when placed in the hands of dedicated teachers, online tools can dramatically accelerate student learning. Ready to try these ideas out in your own classroom? Create a Duolingo for Schools account today!