The internet, the iPod, and other new gadgets, and the programs being developed for them are gong to change how we learn, and especially, how we learn languages.
I am looking for ideas.
a) the keeners, or early adopters
How do you use modern information technology and related devices for learning and for language learning?
Talk about great language sites, or content sites, iPod apps, google translate or whatever works for you.
b) the laggards
How many people out there do not know what an iPod or MP3 player is? How many people are still afraid of the computer? Who are they, typically? How can these people best get involved?
Please comment in English or in your own language.
2 comments on “The internet, the iPhone, the iPad other new gadgets and language learning. What do you use?”
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I depend heavily on my iPhone for Japanese study. I talked about it here – http://eternityfuture.net/?p=139 . Since then I’ve also added the ShinKanji kanji reference app, and GengoGrammer grammer reference, neither of which I use frequently but are very handy when I do need them.The iPhone/iPod Touch is pretty much the perfect learning tool in many ways. The iPad will probably be nearly useless in comparison, because the operating system doesn’t allow it to do any more but the size means it won’t be something one always carries around. With my phone I can study anything I want right away in any few minutes that I have free.
The iPhone’s great for vocab for me. I have the AccelaStudy app in both Mandarin and Spanish and as a person that hates flash cards, I love them. Individual cards allow you to sort and create your own lists, they prnounce individual words and you can view non romanized languages in either their Romanized versions. Skype keeps me in contact with speaking partners, even though many more use MSN messenger. We also exchange audio files for questions and correction via email. I also organize a meetup for Chinese speakers and learners and am a member of Spanish language one through Meetup.com. Great opportunities for cultural education and opportunities to measure progress with speakers you’re not used to interracting with.