Technology in Intensive Language

Teaching
• Exploring Memrise, Busuu, and Mondly
 Introduction
• Intensive language teaching requires
concentrated effort in a limited timeframe.
Technology,
• especially mobile and web-based applications,
plays a crucial role in enhancing language
acquisition
• by providing consistent practice, interactive
content, and personalized learning
environments. In
• this presentation, we will explore three
 What Is Intensive Language
Teaching?
• Intensive language teaching is an immersive
and fast-paced instructional approach that
emphasizes
• rapid development of language skills. It
involves high-frequency exposure to the target
language,
• task-based learning, and the integration of
listening, speaking, reading, and writing
components
• within a compressed schedule.
 The Role of Technology in
Language Learning
• Technology supports intensive language
instruction by increasing accessibility, offering
real-time
• feedback, and enabling interactive
experiences. It also facilitates autonomous
learning, caters to
• different learning styles, and helps maintain
motivation through gamification and
multimedia
• elements.
 Rise of Language Learning Apps
• With the proliferation of smartphones and the
internet, mobile-assisted language learning
(MALL) has
• become increasingly popular. Apps like
Memrise, Busuu, and Mondly cater to learners
with various
• proficiency levels and learning goals, offering
unique features and approaches.
 Introducing Memrise
• Memrise is a language learning application
that emphasizes memorization and vocabulary
building. It
• uses spaced repetition techniques and
incorporates multimedia such as video clips
and native speaker
• pronunciation. Memrise includes both official
courses and community-created content.
 How Memrise Works
• Memrise employs interactive flashcards,
memory-enhancing techniques, and gamified
learning
• experiences. Users are introduced to new
words and phrases, which are then reviewed
through spaced
• repetition. The use of real-life videos helps
learners hear authentic pronunciation and
context.
 Introducing Busuu
• Busuu offers structured language learning
programs aligned with the Common European
Framework of
• Reference for Languages (CEFR). The app
includes comprehensive lessons covering
grammar, vocabulary,
• pronunciation, reading, and listening skills. It
also enables learners to receive feedback from
• native speakers.
 How Busuu Works
• Busuu begins with a placement test to assess
the learner's proficiency level. Learners
progress
• through themed units and interactive
exercises. Speaking and writing tasks can be
submitted to the
• community for peer review, promoting
communication and cultural exchange.
 Introducing Mondly
• Mondly provides conversation-focused
language instruction using cutting-edge
technology. It includes
• features like augmented reality (AR) and
virtual reality (VR), chatbots, and voice
recognition.
• Mondly covers over 40 languages and
emphasizes real-life dialogue and situational
learning.
 How Mondly Works
• Mondly offers daily lessons and topic-based
courses, reinforcing grammar and vocabulary
through
• interactive dialogues. Learners can speak with
AI-powered chatbots or experience AR/VR
simulations
• that mimic real-world conversations. Visual
aids and instant feedback enhance the
immersive
• experience.
 Memrise vs. Busuu vs. Mondly
• Memrise primarily focuses on vocabulary
retention through spaced repetition and
community content.
• Busuu offers a structured curriculum with
integrated peer feedback and formal
instruction. Mondly
• emphasizes immersive conversation and
leverages emerging technologies like AR and
VR for realistic
• practice.
 Common Features Among the
Apps
• All three applications support multiple
languages, use gamification to maintain user
engagement, and
• provide mobile and web access. Each platform
promotes self-paced learning and includes
multimedia
• tools such as audio clips, video content, and
interactive quizzes.
Differences in Instructional Design
• Memrise is ideal for vocabulary acquisition
and quick recall exercises. Busuu suits learners
who
• prefer a guided, curriculum-based
progression. Mondly appeals to users seeking
conversational
• practice and technological immersion through
simulations and speech recognition.
 Benefits for Intensive Language
Learning
• These applications complement intensive
learning environments by reinforcing language
input and
• output. Frequent interaction with the target
language, immediate feedback, and flexible
access to
• content contribute to accelerated learning
outcomes.
 Pedagogical Considerations
• While these apps enhance language learning,
they work best when integrated into broader
• instructional strategies. Teachers should guide
app usage, align it with learning objectives,
and
• encourage reflection on digital learning
experiences.
 Using Apps in Classroom Settings
• Instructors can incorporate app-based
activities into lesson plans, assign
supplementary tasks, and
• monitor progress via analytics tools.
Combining app usage with classroom
discussions and
• collaborative projects strengthens
comprehension and communication skills.
 Sample Application – Busuu in an
Intensive Course
• In a four-week intensive language course,
Busuu was used to supplement daily lessons.
Students
• completed online exercises, received peer
feedback, and practiced speaking outside the
classroom.
• Results showed improved engagement,
confidence, and retention.
 Future Trends in Language
Learning Technology
• Emerging trends include the use of artificial
intelligence to personalize instruction,
expanded use
• of VR/AR for immersive environments, and
enhanced tracking of learner progress through
data
• analytics. These developments promise to
further support intensive teaching methods.
 Conclusion
• Memrise, Busuu, and Mondly provide valuable
tools for intensive language teaching. Their
different
• methodologies—vocabulary training,
structured courses, and immersive
conversations—allow educators
• to select the best fit for their students.
Effective integration of these technologies
enhances the
• language learning experience and outcomes.