Language Learning
Software Development Suggestions

by Gregorio Billikopf.

Here are some elements that make for a better learning experience when using language learning software.

1. Native speaker voices (native voices are better than computer voices, and computer voices are better than non-native voices).
2. Focus on vocabulary that is of interest.
3. Focuses first on listening, then on more listening, and even more listening after that, before ever having the user begin to repeat or speak.
4. No transliteration is provided in written materials. Instead, users are trained from the beginning to learn to read in the target language. It is useful to provide an optional unit with words pronounced in syllables, for those learning a new alphabet.
5. Use lots of single words as well as brief expressions. Avoid long and convoluted sentences, such as “At what time does the train leave from Moscow to Voronezh?” These longer expressions are fine for more advanced units, when the basic vocabulary to build such a sentence has been reviewed.
6. Materials provided in random order within every sub-unit (in other words, you cannot memorize the order of the materials).
7. Intelligent random design (program tests you more in areas in which you have made mistakes and less in those answered correctly).
8. Menu-driven so user can focus on learning objectives and can control difficulty level (for instance, the difficulty level for reading and comprehension might be set by the user).
9. Multiple approaches, including audio, visuals (photos and video) and typing.
10. Duo-directional from known language to target language and from target language back to known language reinforce learning. Once the basic vocabulary for a unit is introduced, provide lots of opportunities to repeatedly hear the material in the target language with opportunities to show mastery—depending on whether it is visual (clicking on a photo or word), or audio (giving the meaning of the materials in the known language before the program provides it). Also, provide opportunities to translate words from known language to target language. When translating from a known language to the target language, repeat the word in the target language twice.
11. When using audio materials, provide 3 to 4 seconds before answer is given. Even better, make this a user-adjustable item.  
12. Provide plenty of information only in target language (such as brief conversations or stories).  
13. When using visual approaches, clarity regarding the meaning of the visual is imperative.
14. Option for focusing on only one thing: reading only, listening only, or writing only. This can be useful when flying or in other situations when you do not wish to bother your neighbor.
15. Pleasant photos (and lots of different photos to represent what you want depicted)
16. Pleasant fonts (and the ability to substitute fonts).
17. Flash cards are provided, or at the very least a document from which users can print their own and paste them on the back of 3.5” x 5” cards.
18. When providing typing for languages such as Hebrew, giving the user an option for Israeli keyboard or US Keyboard with Hebrew layout (each has advantages, but the nice thing about the latter is that it is very easy to remember where the keys are, as a great many match the sound of letters in English to the sound of letters in Hebrew).
19. Speed is important so that the next sub-unit is presented quickly after finishing one, or, when user clicks on a photo or word, the word or expression is pronounced right away.
20. Keep the price reasonable! 

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