With all of the online education resources available, it’s not hard to find something that entertains your child. Many sites claim they can teach a new language in only a couple of months, they will increase reading times, or even improve math scores; but how do you know if these are reputable sources? Let’s take a closer look at Duolingo, a popular language learning app and see how it compares to Dailies, a popular online educational platform.
What is Duolingo?
You’ve probably seen the commercials, or even the memes, that feature a giant green bird reminding people (somewhat persistently) to complete their daily language lesson. The bird’s name is Duo, and he is the mascot for the online language learning community, Duolingo. Originally created as an app for adults to learn another language, Duolingo has since evolved not only into a cultural phenomenon, but into a way for people of all ages to learn something new.
Is Duolingo Kid-Friendly?
With the success of Duolingo, the company has created kid-friendly versions of the app, including Duolingo for Kids, Duolingo ABC, and Duolingo Math, and are geared towards children as young as five-years-old. Similar to the original app, they utilize bright colors and gamification to make language learning fun and engaging. The activities involve prizes and scores, encouraging children to progress through each lesson and level. The activities are research-backed, so parents can rest assured knowing that their little ones are learning the most up-to-date information.
Where Can Duolingo Be Accessed?
Duolingo features a wide variety of languages, including Spanish, French, German, Japanese and more! The app is free to use, which makes it a great option for families on a budget, and is available on a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers. The convenience of the app, coupled with the game–like structure, make Duolingo a fun daily activity for young children (and adults!) who are looking to learn a new language.
What is Dailies?
Dailies is an online education platform that offers tutoring, small groups, enrichment classes, and even a full homeschool curriculum, all taught live via Zoom, by professional educators. What sets Dailies apart from an app like Duolingo, is the true personalization of the lessons and activities. As a startup company, Dailies is continuously adding new options and opportunities for their students … Most of these new features have been suggested by those very same students!
Dailies is REAL
Currently, Dailies classes are taught via video, making them available on any device that has the Zoom app. This convenience means that students can attend school from anywhere in the country (or the world!) and while each educator brings their own unique teaching style, one thing remains the same, and that is the personalization of each class. The teachers take the time to create new lesson plans that center around their students interests and abilities. There are weekly themes, but no two lessons are ever the same. Instead of offering points or scores, the teachers provide daily sheets and weekly reviews to parents, also offering video conferences during the school year to ensure that students are where they need to be.
Where Can Dailies Be Accessed?
Dailies is right now only taught in English but offers a variety of enrichment opportunities for other languages, including ASL, and can be utilized on any device that has the Zoom app. Much like Duolingo, the convenience of Zoom allows for students to attend classes anywhere. Dailies is not free, but does offer a first class free as a way to introduce families to the website. There are a variety of class and payment options, from one class a week to a full homeschool curriculum, and even weekly enrichment classes, that allow for families to choose the plan that works best for their lifestyle.
So, Which Is Better?
This question can really only be answered by you! It all comes down to what you are looking for not only for your child, but for your family. One option is more of an app feel; bright colors, games, scores, and cute characters to help you through. The other is more of a school setting; teachers, classmates, and lessons all happening in real-time. If you are on a budget, are interested in more of a game-like system, and interested in learning another language quickly, Duolingo might be the way to go. If you are looking for a school structure, whether it be one class a week, or a total homeschool program, Dailies would be the winner.
But, Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork
In all honesty, the affordability of Duolingo (free!) and the pricing options of Dailies make them a pretty good team! Parents can use Duolingo as a quick activity to promote a new language either before or after school, while also utilizing Dailies as their main educational source. Both sources have a lot to offer in their own ways, making them an unstoppable force when it comes to your little one’s education!
