Mobile App Review for learning Spanish

Language Learning App Review

Spanish Class Demo (free)

 

1.0              This application for learning Spanish is available for download through the Android Play Store. It is a free application and has one hundred thousand downloads. The last updated date for the application was June 8, 2015 which fixed a few glitches that were reported by users such as: writing exercises, image exercises, and making it possible to add your own words and phrases to the app. The updates for the writing exercises are for the word, verb and grammar exercises that get a ‘writing’ instead of multiple choice options, which will present the user with a textbox to type in instead of the multiple choice questions, for more of a challenge.  The updates for the image exercises will be for uploading and using clock times.

2.0              The size of this application is ______ and it has been developed by Cognitecco, which is an IU consulting firm based in Belgium. The company is owned and run by the only employee and manager, Steffen Luypaet. He has Bachelor in Psychology and Masters in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Usability Design, and has 12 years of professional experience in Java, web development and business analysis.

3.0              The target audience for this application is for anyone globally who wants to learn Spanish for the first time, use for traveling purposes, or for practicing a continuing learning of the language.

4.0              The Language Activities and Skills that the application contain are the following: Reading, Speaking, Writing, Vocabulary, Listening, Grammar and Pronunciation. Culture is not offered as a section of reference or activity.

5.0              The Spanish Class Demo application is meant to support language learning of Spanish. It contains a complete offlice course for Spanish, together with interactive verb, vocabulary, grammar and listening exercises. It is ideal to extend vocabulary and practice verb conjugations and listening skills while waiting for the bus, sitting on the train, or waiting for someone. The content is split up in different course levels, called semesters. In this Demo version, only the first semester is available.

5.1              The features of the application are: Vocabulary Reference, Verbs Reference, Grammar Reference, Phrases Reference, Vocabulary Exercises, Verb Exercises, Grammar Exercises, Listening Exercises, Exercise History, Statistics and Awards, and Text to Speech.

6.0              In this section I will evaluate the language learning application.

6.1              The purpose of this app is very clear, thus very satisfactory and appropriate for the target learner of beginner, traveler, or continuing learning.

6.2              The content of the app is accurate. Being a certified Spanish teacher and fluent user, I feel I have a good sense of what content is being taught and used. Spelling, grammar, and learning materials for verb memorization and review is very satisfactory.

6.3              The usefulness of the app is satisfactory for learning Spanish. The information is basic, but helpful. The activities are somewhat practical, and could potentially be more culturally centered.

6.4              The user does not have the flexibility to adjust any settings to meet their needs, technically speaking. In this demo version, only one semester of courses is offered, and the user would not be able to advance if they were thriving in the content. However, the app does offer various modes of learning activities such as listening, flash cards and writing answers. There is not opportunities for collaboration with other users. This app’s flexibility would fit a neutral category.

6.5              The authenticity of this app is debatable. The term “authenticity” suggests that as much real-life perspective and content that can be incorporated into the learning methods should be used. I would rate the authenticity of the app as satisfactory because it does take very practical verbs, phrases, and vocabulary and put them into activities and situations that every human being would encounter in the real world at some point, which are the most common.

6.6              With this demo, the user is somewhat motivated to use the app and be engaged in returning with interest. It is a fun learning environment, but can end quickly if the user does well and works fast with the activities. If the user would purchase the full version, I feel that they would have a higher level of engagement. This would be neutral for the demo app, but very satisfactory at the full version.

6.7              The feedback from this app is very satisfactory. After each activity, be it writing or reviewing, there is immediate feedback and awards given for the level of cognitive application through the learning modules.

6.8              The learning materials of this app could easily be integrated into a Spanish curriculum because there are groupings of subjects, vocabulary, and verb conjugation exercises that mirror relevant material in curricula. The integration of this app is very satisfactory.

6.9              Surprisingly, user assistance is available. Even though the company is run by a one person franchise, there are routinely scheduled updates and the owner is consistent at responding to comments and feedback from users. Support is satisfactory.

6.10          This particular app (demo) is free, and it is worth the download. It allows an appropriate insight to Cognitecco and what they can offer at the full rate for the more complex language learning apps. The price for this version is satisfactory.

6.11          The level of reliability of this app is very satisfactory. Not once did I find a glitch or bug while using the app. However, using it with a full signal Wi-Fi connection surely helped.

6.12          The presentation of the app is very satisfactory. The content is presented clearly and the user interface is attractive, catchy, and all screen displays are effective.

6.13          The organization of this app is very satisfactory because the design was to mirror that of a Spanish curriculum by dividing the content and features into separate categories and levels for users to navigate easily.

6.14          The navigation of this app was very satisfactory as it allows on-screen instructions and navigation tools to help users visualize how to utilize the app. Using the touch screen feature for this app is very effective in how it was designed to be explored.

6.15          The multimedia component to this app is unsatisfactory. There were useful and effective graphics, sound and color, but it could have been elevated to meet the visual aids appropriate for an older audience. The graphics and colors were fit for potential elementary age users.

7.0              My overall rating for Spanish Class Demo would be Good, Appropriate for Use. Although several components were highly satisfactory, I would like to review the full version before being ready to sign up my entire class of students for this app to practice outside of the classroom.

 

REVIEWED BY: Lyndsee Hawkins

REVIEW DATE: June 28, 2015 – July 1, 2015