Informal Learning Assignment

Patrick Fernandez
New Jersey City University
EDTC 807: Implementation and Evaluation of Curriculum
Spring 2023
 Informal learning is broadly defined as any learning that occurs outside of the context of

formal education. With the rise of digital platforms and electronic devices informal learning can

occur much more regularly than ever before. The rise of technology has made informal learning

apps a new trend which is on the rise. One example is the rise of language acquisition apps such

as Duolingo, Bable and Memrise which continue to grow their user bases.

History

Learning a second language is not a new trend or topic; there’s a reason foreign

languages are often required in many curriculums. Numerous studies have noted the benefits

include improved cognitive function in the form of increased memory and the ability to

multitask. Recent studies have proved learning a second language for young children enhances

their thinking, creativity and concentration in future learning (Woll & Wei, 2019). While others

have investigated the possible effects of learning a second language as a possible way to slow

cognitive decline in older adults (van der Ploeg & Lowie, Keijzer 2023) (Antoniou, Gunasekera

& Wong 2013).

Technology and second language acquisition is also not a new trend and its roots can be

traced to the 1990’s when notable companies like Babbel and Rosetta stone began to develop

tapes and CD’s to teach second languages. As technology became more advanced and accessible

these companies would transition to offer free and paid services via mobile applications. Mobile

applications that could now offer language acquisition grew and began to gamify this form of

informal learning. As gamification of these applications occurred these services offered

challenges and prizes for finishing language courses and completing quizzes or using flashcards;

all making these apps fun and reinforcing informal learning of new languages.

Today
 Nowadays language acquisition apps are more popular than ever and their companies

have proved profitable. Language learning apps generated $8.21 billion in 2021, a 32% year-on-

year increase from 2020 (Curry 2023). Of course, the Covid 19 pandemic did accelerate growth

in this informal learning sector as some schools needed to use it since formal education and in

person learning was not possible. However, if we take a look at revenues and user growth from

top apps in this space the future for language acquisition apps looks bright.

The current leader in this space is Duolingo. The company went public on the NASDAQ

and was the highest grossing language learning app in 2021. The app had the most installs and

usage in 2021, by a significant margin and reported making $250 million in 2021 (Curry 2023).

In 2022, Duolingo generated $369.7 million revenue in 2022, a 47.3% year-on-year increase

with over 500 million registered users. Off these 500 million users, 37 million are reported to be

active at least once a month (Curry 2023). Early data in 2023 suggests Duolingo’s user growth

and revenue will continue to grow as it now offers 95 courses in 38 languages. It’s competitors

Babbel, Busus and Memrise don’t have as impressive numbers as Duolingo but still report steady

growth for an industry that is projected to be worth billions in the next decade.

Aside from impressive usage and revenue numbers Duolingo and apps like it are proving

to be assets in learning. In formal education and learning, studies reveal that language acquisition

apps have benefitted many students' motivation to learn foreign languages. One study of

American college students in an Italian language course found that motivation to learn the new

language was higher than with traditional teaching methods (James & Meyers 2019).

A more recent study concluded that informal use of language acquisition apps could lead

to immersion into a new language or culture. In the same way that other forms of media like

vlogs, TV series or games could lead students to immerse themselves in a new hobby or field of
study; language acquisition apps could increase an interest of language and cultures to

populations that would typically have little or no exposure to them (Sockett 2023).

Conclusion

The rise of technology has revolutionized how people can learn a second language

through informal learning. Language acquisition apps, such as Duolingo, have become

increasingly popular due to their gamification approach and the convenience they offer. With

impressive user growth and revenue numbers, it is safe to assume that language acquisition apps

will play a significant role in informal learning and continue to be a trend for years to come.

While research has not exactly shown they increase language acquisition more than traditional

methods, these apps are proving to be effective tools for various reasons including providing

exposure to new languages, being a source of increased motivation in formal educational settings

and providing cultural immersion.

References:
Antoniou M, Gunasekera GM, & Wong PC (2013). Foreign language training as cognitive
therapy for age related cognitive decline: A hypothesis for future research. Neuroscience
& Biobehavioral Reviews,37(10), 2689-2698.

Curry, D. (2022, February 16). Language learning app market. Business of Apps.
https://www.businessofapps.com/data/language-learning-app-market/

James, K. K., & Mayer, R. E. (2019). Learning a second language by playing a game. Applied
Cognitive Psychology, 33(4), 669–674. https://draweb.njcu.edu:2075/10.1002/acp.3492

Sockett, G. (2023). Input in the digital wild: Online informal and non-formal learning and their
interactions with study abroad. Second Language Research, 39(1), 115–132.
https://draweb.njcu.edu:2075/10.1177/0267658322112238

Woll B & Li Wei (2019). Cognitive benefits of language learning: Broadening our perspectives.
The British Academy. https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/documents/287/Cognitive-
Benefits-Language-Learning-Final-Report.pdf

Van der Ploeg, M., Lowie, W., & Keijzer, M. (2023). The effects of language teaching pedagogy
on cognitive functioning in older adults. Behavioral Sciences (2076-328X), 13(3), 199.
https://draweb.njcu.edu:2075/10.3390/bs13030199