Computer Basics Learning Languages Online in This Session, We'll
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Computer Basics Learning Languages Online In this session, we’ll cover basic principles and realistic expectations for self- guided language study, as well as free and library resources you can use to enhance your studies, from virtual courses to foreign films. First, you’ll want to decide what your goals are. What do you want to achieve by learning a language? What level of skill do you need to achieve that goal? By the way, it’s fine to study languages for fun—you don’t have to have a goal. But if you do have a goal, it should shape your study. If you want to become fluent, you’ll need to go further than what any one online class, learning app, or textbook can give you, and you’ll need to find ways to make the process enjoyable in order to stay motivated. Resources Pronunciator Self-guided online courses in many languages. Some languages have weekly sessions with an instructor available on a first come, first served basis. Custom courses for some professions are available. You will need your library card to make an account. Duolingo Free self-guided online courses, in your web browser or with apps for tablets and phones (iOS and Android). Contains ads and premium content, but the free version is still very extensive and usable. Gamified—earn points to unlock additional content. Foreign Service Institute (and other free courses) Free courses in multiple languages, some of them very extensive. For some languages this may be the only or best option available. Due to their dated (1960s-1970s) and somewhat specialized nature, we don’t recommend using FSI courses if more modern options are available. May 2020 Page 1 Computer Basics Learning Languages Online For Dummies books on Enki Read on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android or Kindle. Online textbooks available in California only. Simultaneous use – no waiting. OverDrive Many eBooks and audiobooks available with your library card. For the language student, there are textbooks and audio-only language study materials, as well as other books in a variety of languages (mostly English and Spanish). Read online in your web browser or install OverDrive’s Libby app for iOS or Android. Many books are also available for Kindle. Kanopy Streaming videos available to all Peninsula Library System members. 10 videos per month, plus unlimited children’s videos and Great Courses. Great Courses has several language classes available. There are also foreign films with English subtitles. Pongalo Telenovelas, available through RB Digital for South San Francisco members only. One-week checkout with unlimited viewing during that week. There is currently no limit on checkouts of this service. RBDigital magazines Digital magazines in various languages, available to all Peninsula Library System members. Anki Flashcard software that uses the principle of spaced repetition to reduce the time you spend reviewing what you already know. Great for learning vocabulary and studying for multiple choice tests. Free for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Android version ‘AnkiDroid’ is free; iOS version ‘AnkiMobile’ costs $25. AnkiWeb, the browser version, is free for all platforms but has limited features—not as useful without the full version on another device. May 2020 Page 2 .