I am a great believer in the concept of lifelong learning and ongoing improvement and here our smartphones can serve us well. Language learning should not be an exception. So, here is my list of 10 great applications that may help you boost your learning. And btw, all of that information is one tap away, so why not trying it after you’re done reading this article?
1. Wordable. A great vocab-training app powered by Cambridge dictionary. A vocab game as they call themselves, it helps you expand your vocabulary and practice spelling, pronunciation, and visual association. Try it and you’ll love it!
2. Blinkist. Do you have trouble with listening? Do you have a lack of time for reading? This app will help you do both at the same time. They offer short book summaries with amazing narration by natives. One book is free every day!
3. 12 min. A great alternative to Blinkist and a strong rival. I have this one on my phone and I can’t be happier. The best idea is to incorporate listening practice into your morning routine!
4. TuneIn Radio. Well, if we’ve started talking about listening, then I must mention this app. Here you have a chance to access all the radio stations in the world (or at least a big portion of those) for free in your pocket! Isn’t that cool? And they also have podcasts. Have you downloaded it already? I don’t know what you are waiting for ;)
5. Knoword. This one is my favorite! Knoword is a fast-paced word game that challenges your vocabulary, tests your typing skills, and stimulates your mind. You can choose a pack of words to train and you can even add your own words! Still playing Angry Birds? (they are actually supercool, I know) This one just might be a great replacement.
6. TED. Didn’t you know? They also have an app! All the interesting and mind-blowing talks in your pocket. Listen, watch, read and improve your language skills! What else is there to wish for?
7. Quizlet. I use this one with my students very often. Quizlet provides simple and yet effective ways to learn literally anything. They have flashcards, games, and learning tools — all for free. You can use this one to make flashcard for your own sets of words, which is a great way to memorize them!
8. Memrise. I love this one. It helped me to learn many words in Finnish language. They use an intuitive language learning system and make the process fun and interactive! Are you bored of learning words and then forgetting it all? Try Memrise and see what happens!
9. Hello Talk. Maybe you don’t have enough speaking and writing practice? If you haven’t used this yet, you’re going to love it! Hello Talk gives you the opportunity to interact with real people in English. You can use audio and video call, chats and many cool features to get that important and needed PRACTICE.
10. Anki (Digital Flashcards Everywhere). Last but definitely not least, Anki app allows you to practice English through sentence repetition, learn grammar and really understand it! You can do this through writing, listening, and speaking!
And don’t forget that consistency is the key. Practice every day, write, listen to podcasts, train your vocabulary and practice your speaking skills. As one wise man once said: “If you don’t use, you lose”.
