Let's try: Readlang

 

Readlang is a free, desktop and web application, as well as a Chrome extension for both

mobile devices and portable computers that can be used to translate web pages that the

user may not understand completely. At the same time, the website and app can be used

to read texts made by other people in and outside the app, offering readings based on the

proficiency level, the genre or the amount of words that the text has. Moreover, it also

creates word lists and flashcards for a better acquisition of the targeted vocabulary and a

higher understanding of the whole discourse.

When you go to the page, you can either continue as a guest or sign in, in order to save

your progress, readings and translations. As soon as you enter, you are presented with a

variety of labels. As for teaching purposes, you surely will want to work with the tab “library”,

just as shown below,  in which you can find tons of texts.

Why is this particular tool or technology relevant to language learning?

The versatile use of Readlang as both a reading and translating tool makes us consider

that one approach could be the interactive reading method, as the purpose of the entire

application is to engage the reader and make them to do more than just simply read and

encouraging them to seek for more vocabulary when meeting a new word, by adding images

and hyperlinks. 

How might you use it to foster language learning?

Firstly, through the usage of ICTs while working with the students’ reading skills, the

students get the opportunity to develop a sense of self-sufficiency, as they decide what

they want to read from a specific level or word count, based on the activity chosen for them.

Secondly, it may greatly improve the students motivation and skills to read, as the texts can

be chosen to ask for an intensive reading, an extensive reading, or even a mixture between

both, in which, apart from being a joyful reading, the text can also be approached from a more

technical point of view in order to work on vocabulary, comprehension based on punctuation,

spelling, and so on. Third, and lastly, Readlang follows the reading principles very closely, as

it encourages the students not only to read but also to go further and explore the vocabulary

and the complexity of the texts, and, at the same time, also works with every proficiency level

at intensive and extensive readings.

What limitations can you see with the use of this technology for the purposes of

language learning?

Personally speaking, we believe that the app lacks a more enthusiastic and welcoming

design which might affect students' engaging. As for the language learning matter, we agree that a challenge presented not by the app itself but by its usage is a non-professional-trained teacher, who perhps will be unable to make a significant change in the paradigmatic perspective that students tend to

have, either by making the readings monotonous or choosing incorrect text levels for the pupils.