Software Makes Effective Learning Fast and Enjoyable

While there are a multitude of language-learning websites and apps available, companies are constantly adding new innovations and integrating developing software to either improve existing ones or create better ones altogether. One startup dedicated to helping users develop language-learning skills is Memrise, which takes a somewhat less rigidly academic approach, so much so that its developers claim it “makes learning languages and vocab so full of joy and life that you’ll laugh out loud.” That is certainly a lofty claim for a learning app, but it seeks to do this in several ways. Read more »

Perhaps the most effective way to learn a language is by talking with a native speaker. Outside of a school or tutoring environment, though, it is not always easy to find or connect with one. Cambly is an app that solves this issue by creating an on-demand marketplace of native tutors for nearly a dozen languages that students can instantly connect with online or through a mobile device.  It provides a two-sided platform so that those interested in learning a new language can do so through conversational video chat with a native speaker. Thanks to the simplicity of its mobile and tablet apps, students can access personal tutors wherever and whenever with just one click. Read more »

Online discussions, chat rooms, and forums can be frustrating to see sometimes.  Due the anonymity of the Internet, these discussions often break out into arguments, name-calling, and a place of offensive anonymous statements. However, Clivir is a cool product that aims to create a more productive forum of online discussion.  Clivir is website that hosts many online discussion boards, but this cool product organizes its discussion sections into “classrooms”.  Clivir is a community dedicated to learning above all else.  Clivir’s organizes its “classrooms” by subject and category.  There are sections on the website for art, entertainment, business, computer technology, writing, disease, food, current events and more.  Each of these sections has several of Clivir’s “classrooms” inside it, where Clivir users post structured information meant to inform and educate.  Unlike typical discussion forums, which tend to be a free for all with some limited moderation, Clivir classrooms require users to post complete “classes”.  Each class must have citations and sources for the material it teaches.  Clivir moderates each classroom to ensure that classes live up to the website’s standards.  If a user has trouble accessing classrooms on Clivir, that person should get in touch with a remote computer support service and acquire help.  Read more »