I’ve read often that Duolingo doesn’t really teach you anything, but I’m a few weeks into a French conversation class and feel more prepared than I thought I’d be. I def think it’s thanks to all those tiny green owl exercises.
@bapsi It doesn’t teach enough, in the right way. Language is reading, listening, writing, and speaking and Duo is really only good for the first two
Everyone is different, of course, but I do have over 2,000 days in Duolingo French
@spriteborne.bsky.social I agree, though it's misguided to expect any one tool or resource to cover it all!
@bapsi From my usage of the app for over 200 days now, I've figured that they use a clever concept called - scaffolding, in which, instead of the basics, they start with practical usage of the language and build onto it. If you're competitive, they subtly increase difficulty levels to more practical usage. In doing so, one eventually picks up the basics as well. However, if you are only consistent but not putting in lots of effort, they keep it easy in order to keep you from going away because it's easier to come back when things aren't that hard.
Additionally, they use the reminders carefully by sending those around the same time when you last opened the app. So, a 8pm lesson today will yield you a reminder for 8pm-ish tomorrow because you're more likely to come back around that time according to your regular schedule.
I find it quite helpful as an independent learner.
@meep I've never noticed these concepts in my experience with Duolingo, but you're totally right! Even if someone's doing the bare minimum, I like the idea that some value is still added in a 'boilerplate' way.
Glad you find it helpful. Which language are you practicing at the moment?
@bapsi I agree that you can't expect to fully and completely learn a language with only Duolingo! (by the way, if anyone on this thread wants Duolingo friends, I'm hiimval, feel free to add me! 😁)