Game-based learning and gamification can be highly effective in increasing engagement and helping students understand complex concepts in an engaging way. That being said, not all gamification is equally effective. With my inquiry project, I have come to realize that many language learning apps are game-based, but end up over-emphasizing the game aspect at the…
What I appreciate about the SAMR integration model is that it is simplified and aimed at helping you understand the purpose of using technology for a particular task. It allows you to consider whether you are using technology to enhance or transform a task and whether it is for functional improvement or a redesign of…
Last Friday, I attended a Focused ED seminar on AI literacy and on cybersecurity for students. Cari did a wonderful job of walking us through the risks and benefits of AI use as educators. For starters, Cari reminded us that AI is a tool that relies on data and probability; it is not a search…
In a 16-week study comparing the effectiveness of language learning with Duolingo vs. in a classroom, Gonzalez-Fernandez and De la Viña found that “overall […] app-based learning can support certain aspects of L2 development, particularly receptive grammar and vocabulary knowledge, while classroom-basedinstruction is more beneficial for developing listening skills” (2025). The article also notes that…
As I continue my exploration of online language-learning resources, I wanted to review the app that I first used to learn Spanish several years ago: Memrise. Memrise is a free app with a premium version that allows you access to more specific chat features and grammar support. I really like that Memrise teaches you new…
Can we mitigate the environmental damage caused by AI? According to a 2025 article from the United Nations Environment Program, there are still several unknowns about the extent of environmental harm caused by AI, but it is a massive consumer of energy and water. According to the article, it was estimated that by 2026 (now),…
Below, I have included a brief screen recording of a video from the Yabla Italian app. As you can see in the video, it features a real person talking, it includes subtitles in English and Italian, and along the bottom of the screen there are options to slow the recording, loop the recording, or play…
I am new to Magic School AI and generally cautious of generative AI. This week, I wanted to try out some of the more unique and specific tools offered by Magic School AI. Below, I will document the prompts I submitted, the AI responses, and my personal response to the Magic School IEP generator. I…
Although I do think AI can be useful for getting started on projects and saving time on bigger tasks by creating summaries of longer texts or creating outlines for projects, I have become fairly concerned about misinformation and AI dependence, especially among youth. For this reflection, I am going to test out Notebook IM to…
For my free-inquiry project, I will be investigating and comparing the effectiveness of various online language-learning tools, particularly Yabla and Duolingo, although I may explore other apps such as Memrise for comparison. Although I intend to explore the language learning tools for my French immersion classroom, I will be testing the tools by learning Italian,…