17 Jan, 2008
Language Training Online (FREE) – Babbel.com Review
Posted by: Jeff VanDrimmelen In: Foreign Language| Student Tools| Teacher Tools
I am a foreign language guy by training, so anytime I see something about language training online I have to check it out. Well, yesterday I came across a new site called babbel.com. (via Lifehacker).
I set up my free account, and was practicing my German in about 30 seconds. It looks to teach you basic phrases that would be useful in a variety of different situations. I haven’t spent a lot of time on the site yet, but it does look promising.
Pro’s:
- LARGE selection of situations and vocabulary
- It is NOT just the normal vocab, but stuff you will actually use… today.
I did a section on going out at night and it taught me (or review) the words for flirting, getting a date, inviting someone out. Actual useful phrases.
Con’s:
- The pronunciation appears to be computer generated. Mostly it was good, but there were some things that were not pronounced right. It won’t make you native, but it will work.
The educational applications are obvious. Great for classrooms. You can even become training partners with other people. Perhaps one day they will let you load your own training pictures/pronunciations up there. That would be good for any teacher.
Other thoughts?
