When learning a new language, one of the first places people turn to is Duolingo. This is no surprise considering it provides some of the best free resources if you’re looking to learn a new language, plus, did we mention that it’s free?!
Now, teachers and students can take full advantage of this language-learning platform with Duolingo for schools. From French and Spanish to Japanese and Korean, there are tons of languages to choose from, and the best part? Getting started is extremely simple!
Not only is it accessible over a range of different devices but it also focuses on four main language skills: writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
Since the platform is gamified; it is a fun, interactive way of learning a new language that doesn’t feel like you’re learning at all! Keeping students immersed and focused even outside of the classroom.
With all this in mind, this article aims to explore Duolingo for schools and everything you need to know about getting started with the platform.
Let’s get straight into it!
Can Duolingo Be Used In Schools?
Yes! Duolingo is an interactive learning platform that can be used by teachers as a fun way of teaching their students in schools.
Below, you will find everything you need to know on how to get started using Duolingo in the classroom – there isn’t a better way to teach your students a new language!
Follow our step-by-step instructions to get started today.
Step 1: Make Your Way To The Schools.Duolingo.com Platform
The first step is to head over to the Duologino school’s website. Here, you’ll find all the information you need to know about the platform.
Step 2: Log In To Your Duolingo Account (Teacher’s Account)
If you haven’t already created an account, now would be a good time to make one. However, if you have an existing account, you can use it to log in.
When using Duolingo schools, there is no need to create a new account if you already have an existing account, since teachers can use their personal account to host a classroom.
Step 3: Once Logged In, Create A Duolingo Classroom
To make a Duolingo learning classroom, the first thing you’ll need to do is select the orange button and follow the instructions here, filling out all the required fields as you go along.
For instance, the first thing to fill out would be the name of your classroom. This can be named whatever you want. For example, if you’re teaching a beginner Spanish class it could be called ‘Spanish 101’.
However, you can name it whatever you please, and don’t worry; you can come back and change the name later if you change your mind.
After this, you’ll want to select the language you want to begin teaching your students, as well as the language they normally speak.
Choose whatever language you want to correspond with what your students are studying. Although, you should keep in mind that there are only a few limited languages available at the moment. These include German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and English.
Next, you’ll want to decide how you’re going to invite your students to the classroom. This can be achieved through either sharing the classroom link or creating accounts for them.
Here, the best option would be the ‘Share classroom link’ since it is the least time-consuming meaning you can start teaching quicker.
If you do choose this option, then you’re provided with a link that you can share with your students and their guardians where they can create their own accounts and access the classroom using a specific classroom code.
Alternatively, if you decide to choose the account option, you’ll have to add each student into the classroom manually, not only will this be much more time-consuming – depending on how many students you have – but it also means you’ll be losing valuable teaching time.
Step 4: Help Your Students Join The Duolingo Classroom
If your students are accessing Duolingo through computers, then joining the Duolingo classroom is a very straightforward process. All they have to do is select the link that was provided through the PDF.
Although, if they are accessing it through a smartphone, then the process becomes a little more tricky.
When joining using a mobile device, the first step would be to log into their Duolingo profile within the mobile app, using their personal account login details.
Once done, the next step would be to select the tab that features a girl’s head symbol. This takes them to their profile.
From here, you students would need to select the account settings symbol which can be found in the top right corner.
Then, scroll down to settings to find the tap that says ‘progress settings’.
Here, your students are able to join the classroom by typing the Classroom Code that you provided them through the PDF.
Once completed, they are now ready to start learning!
Step 5: Make Sure That All Your Students Have Joined The Duolingo Classroom
Once you have successfully set up your Duolingo classroom, you’ll be able to view which students have joined the link to access the room.
From here, determine which students may need extra support in joining the classroom so you can provide them with the necessary steps to take part in the learning.
Step 6: Create Duolingo Assignments
After you have guaranteed that all your students are present in the classroom, you can begin creating different assignments for them to work through.
When creating assignments, there are two types for you to choose from to provide your students.
The first assignment is to collect experience points (otherwise known as SP) and the second assignment is a skill level up.
When looking at the ‘Collect Points’ assignment, you can select the specific amount of XP you want your students to earn in a particular assignment.
Here, it will show how many minutes are required to complete the specified amount of XP.
After selecting the assignment, you can choose what dates you want your students to start and finish the assignment. Then, you can see how many days are remaining in order for your students to complete the assignment.
When looking at the ‘Level up a Skill’ assignment, you can select whatever skill you want your students to improve. This assignment allows them to earn the next ‘crown’ or level that is available in a particular skill set.
A great feature available to Duolingo for School is that teachers are provided with the ability to see each student’s progress and view which lessons your students have completed.
For instance, the specific skills are shown in percentages, if a student has completed a set assignment it would be displayed as 100% complete for the student. This allows you to see each student’s individual progress.
Moreover, you can use this feature to make sure you aren’t assigning assignments that are too simple or ones your students have already completed.
Furthermore, if your students are varying in language abilities, then it is recommended that you assign XP assignments instead since this allows them to learn at their own pace.
After you have created your assignments, you can view all the set assignments, as well as which assignments your students have completed on time, late, or not at all.
Through the email your students used to create their Duolingo account, they will be sent reminders about upcoming assignment due dates.
Step 7: Familiarize Yourself With The Duolingo For Schools Menu
Familiarizing yourself with the Duolingo menu will allow you to easily navigate through the platform.
Located at the top menu, you will find the Students Tab, here you can go back and view which assignments have been completed as well as your student’s progress.
The second tab located in the menu is used for creating assignments, which we have already detailed on how to do so.
The rest of the tabs are more optional, containing things such as the Class Activities tab, Classroom Settings tab, and Curriculum tab.
Depending on your student’s language learning level, you can split the curriculum into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced skills.
These skills follow a range of teachings such as example sentences, vocabulary lists, sample lesions, and an option to select particular skills for homework.
The following tab is for using Duolingo during teaching hours with your students. As a class, you can choose a particular skill you want to practice, then launch it on the screen to complete together.
However, keep in mind that this won’t launch on your student’s personal accounts, only on your own. Therefore, it is designed to be displayed on a screen or projector where the whole classroom can view and go through the lesson together.
On the next tap, you’ll find the ‘Classroom Settings’, here you can change the name of your class, the language you’re learning, and the language your students speak.
If need be, you can always redownload the Setup instructions if you are confused.
5 Things You Need To Know About Duolingo For Schools
Free For School
One of the best features of the Duolingo For Schools platform is that it is completely free to use. This may come as a surprise for some considering how dynamic and robust the EdTech tool is.
You can completely customize your Duolingo classroom to help students improve their language skills – whatever their ability.
You will find everything you need – from resources, assignments, and progress reports – to teach your students a new language.
Dashboard For Teachers
The Duolingo platform provides teachers with the ability to check real-time updates regarding the progress of their students.
When looking at the Teacher Dashboard, you will find each of your student’s performance and language-learning practice all within the Duolingo app.
This allows you to view formative assessment data at the click of a button, as well as design supporting activities and interventions to suit your student’s personal requirements.
Additionally, you can monitor your student’s progress by viewing accuracy and the amount of time they spend on the learning platform.
Enhancement Not Replacement
Duolingo for Schools provides teachers with the opportunity to enhance their student’s classroom learning experience, providing teachers with actionable information.
Using this information, teachers can make the necessary adjustments to their classroom teachings, helping students delve deeper into their language learning, even when they’re outside the classroom.
Mobile App Accessibility
Once you have set up a Duolingo for School account, students can access all the materials straight through the Duolingo mobile app.
Whether they open it through iOS or Android, students can practice all their language-learning skills wherever and whenever they are.
With the gamified nature of the app, it keeps students engaged and immersed in the learning without feeling as if they are really learning in the first place. Nurturing both their language and digital skills.
Redesigned Platform
Since we have already outlined that Duolingo for Schools is a totally free platform that provides teachers with a personalized dashboard, acts as an enhancement, and enables access, the last thing to look at is how it benefits you – the teacher.
Duolingo for Schools has recently redesigned its platform, this includes clearer learning objectives, as well as more personalized insights into your student’s progress.
Thanks to input presented by teachers all over the world, the feedback and updates reflect the needs of real-life teachers and what would benefit them in a classroom setting.
Final Thoughts
Duolingo is a well-known and reputable learning-platform for learning new languages.
Now, the platform has expanded into the classroom, providing teachers with the necessary resources and material to enhance their teachings.
With personalized student progress reports and dashboards, teachers can make sure each student is accounted for.
Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about Duolingo For Schools and how you can implement it in the classroom.
