Carlyn Duckett

EDSE 468
Mrs. Bilash
January 10, 2017
The practical application of Memrise as a second languagelearning APP
Technology can be very useful in todays classrooms to get
students engaged in the target language. They are usually familiar
with using APPs and technology at young ages and have existing
interests in technology. The APP Memrise is a good tool for learning the
basics of a new language, for example German. It is a languagelearning tool, but the APP is set up much like a game. It begins by
giving the learner context for the situation; the learner will be going to
a new planet and must learn the language in order to make a peaceful
entrance.
This APP is relevant for second language learners because it
teaches the language in an engaging and fun way. By making it a
game, the learner strives to learn the words to accomplish the goals
and becomes invested in the process. This particular APP would be
most suitable for beginners or level A1 on the CEFR as it starts with
basic vocabulary and expressions. It can be used by anyone old
enough to read and write, as both are required. It is perhaps geared
more to younger individuals by its game like structure, but can be
enjoyed by adults as well. This APP helps the learner develop various
skills including: listening, speaking, reading, writing, pronunciation, and
vocabulary development.
Pertaining to the B-SLIM model, example A is part of the Giving
It stage as it teaches the learner the new word. It has the word written
and says it orally for the learner as well. The learner can listen to it as
many times as they need to. It presents new information and models
the pronunciation. It also follows the cognitive load of 7+or- 2 because
the learner learns 3-5 new terms at a time and then they must practice
them. Examples B through E are part of the Getting It and Using It
stages of B-SLIM. The APP has the learner practice the new words in
different ways. In example B, the word is said orally in German and the
learner must pick the correct corresponding English word. In example
C, the word is said orally in German along with a video clip with
gestures and the learner must pick the correct German word to test the
learners listening and memory. In example D, the English equivalent is
shown and the learner must pick a sound clip of the corresponding
German word. Finally, in example E, the English equivalent is written
and the learner must spell the German word, which really tests the
learners visual memory. The amount of different activities test the
learners memory, listening, reading, and writing which gives the

learner dynamic practice. It also keeps the learner engaged because

each question is a different activity so it doesnt become stagnant. It is
self-paced so the learner can go at the speed that works for them. It
also stays in the guidelines of 3-5 different activities for the learner to
review and practice. Example F is part of the Proving It stage as it
shows the learner proof of how much they have learned and their
progress. The APP also encourages the learner to do a little each day
instead of a lot at once, which is better for retaining the new words
learned. There is also a speed test round the learner can do which is
part of Proving It because the learner is tested on words quickly and
must answer correctly before the time runs out. This lets the learner
know which words they know quickly and which ones they need to
review. It functions similar to an I can self-assessment.
This APP is useful for kinesthetic, visual, and auditory learners. It
is self-directed and self-paced, which is important because people dont
learn at the same speed. It is engaging in its design and fun because of
the game like structure. It does not provide the element of interaction
that speaking to another person would, but it is a good option for
individual study and practice.
In closing, this APP could be very useful to students to continue
their studies independently. This APP could be assigned to use over a
holiday break to keep the students using the language when they are
away from classes for so long. Or it could help with distributed practice
if they have irregular class schedules. This is a simple and engaging
way that students can hone their skills. Students would enjoy the game
like structure of this language-learning APP, which would help keep
their interest instead of worksheets to complete. Students in this day
and age also gravitate to activities using technology. Kids are
constantly using technology and are comfortable with it so they would
probably prefer an APP to other types of homework. Overall, this is a
fun APP and is useful to learn a new language.

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.