▼ Apps Aim to Make English Learning Easier, More Fun
- Category:Other
For the many people who may set a New Year’s goal of learning English, it’s a good idea to take advantage of smartphone applications to learn in one’s spare time. With such apps, other study materials don’t have to be carried around and English learning can take place at any time of day.
To acquire foreign language skills, learners must study reading, listening, writing and speaking. There are various ways to learn English, such as at conversation schools and through textbooks, radio programs and audio learning materials, but it is often difficult to study it efficiently.
Smartphones can be a useful tool to continue and review one’s learning. Free or relatively inexpensive apps are now available that help users memorize English vocabulary and phrases and improve their skills in reading, writing and listening.
DMM English’s app “iKnow!” has a monthly fee starting from ¥780. The app poses a series of questions about English words and phrases in text format. The data is stored as users answer the questions. Based on their scores, users are asked questions again at intervals before they forget the vocabulary, so, according to the company, it’s more effective than written vocabulary flash cards.
To acquire foreign language skills, learners must study reading, listening, writing and speaking. There are various ways to learn English, such as at conversation schools and through textbooks, radio programs and audio learning materials, but it is often difficult to study it efficiently.
Smartphones can be a useful tool to continue and review one’s learning. Free or relatively inexpensive apps are now available that help users memorize English vocabulary and phrases and improve their skills in reading, writing and listening.
DMM English’s app “iKnow!” has a monthly fee starting from ¥780. The app poses a series of questions about English words and phrases in text format. The data is stored as users answer the questions. Based on their scores, users are asked questions again at intervals before they forget the vocabulary, so, according to the company, it’s more effective than written vocabulary flash cards.
Members who pay for DMM English’s online English conversation program provided via personal computers can use the app for free.
Wide range of news
English news distributed by “Polyglots,” a free app with extra services for a fee, aims to enhance learning motivation because it increases the opportunities to read English. The app provides news in various categories such as sports and fashion. The company of the same name says that people keep learning what they are interested in. If a user comes across an unknown word, Japanese translations are displayed by tapping on the word.
It is also a good idea to secure time to listen to English using such apps. “English Upgrader,” a free app provided by the Institute for International Business Communication, which organizes the TOEIC test, selects English conversations that often occur in business and daily life and distributes audio of the conversations.
Meanwhile, ReDucate, Inc.’s app “Kikoeigo,” which has a monthly fee of ¥1,080, distributes online videos featuring such items as conversations between native English speakers and speeches. By incorporating game-like factors, the app is intended to enhance users’ motivation while making English learning enjoyable, according to the company’s spokesperson.
Meanwhile, using a chat application to exchange messages in English could help improve writing skills. RareJob’s free app “Chatty,” which charges fees for certain services, allows users to exchange text messages with English conversation teachers anytime.
PCs help speaking skills
Smartphone apps are suitable for memorizing, reading and listening. However, when it comes to speaking, there are more online English conversation courses available via personal computers.
“I hope people look for apps suitable to their interests and purposes and make it a habit to study English in accordance with their lives, such as while commuting or doing household chores,” said Atsushi Watanabe, who teaches TOEIC lessons.
Wide range of news
English news distributed by “Polyglots,” a free app with extra services for a fee, aims to enhance learning motivation because it increases the opportunities to read English. The app provides news in various categories such as sports and fashion. The company of the same name says that people keep learning what they are interested in. If a user comes across an unknown word, Japanese translations are displayed by tapping on the word.
It is also a good idea to secure time to listen to English using such apps. “English Upgrader,” a free app provided by the Institute for International Business Communication, which organizes the TOEIC test, selects English conversations that often occur in business and daily life and distributes audio of the conversations.
Meanwhile, ReDucate, Inc.’s app “Kikoeigo,” which has a monthly fee of ¥1,080, distributes online videos featuring such items as conversations between native English speakers and speeches. By incorporating game-like factors, the app is intended to enhance users’ motivation while making English learning enjoyable, according to the company’s spokesperson.
Meanwhile, using a chat application to exchange messages in English could help improve writing skills. RareJob’s free app “Chatty,” which charges fees for certain services, allows users to exchange text messages with English conversation teachers anytime.
PCs help speaking skills
Smartphone apps are suitable for memorizing, reading and listening. However, when it comes to speaking, there are more online English conversation courses available via personal computers.
“I hope people look for apps suitable to their interests and purposes and make it a habit to study English in accordance with their lives, such as while commuting or doing household chores,” said Atsushi Watanabe, who teaches TOEIC lessons.
- January 26, 2017
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