FluentU for authentic language learning

In an increasingly flattened world, the need to develop fluency in more than one language becomes increasingly critical for collaboration and participation.

I recently discovered the FluentU website, as well as the recently launched FluentU iPhone app, for language learning on the go.

Language learning has long been a back-burner kinda goal for me, but I suddenly find myself motivated to squeeze in time for refreshing my long dormant high school/college Spanish.  And I am finding it fun with this balanced combination of cultural immersion and strategic repetition and clean inviting interface.  FluentU allows for choice of level–newbie, elementary, intermediate, upper intermediate, advanced, and native. (Note: not all levels are currently available for each language.)  The free platform is available for both students and teachers, with reasonably priced premium learning features available.

FluentU leverages a combination of learning features, including a combination of instructional and aggregated, engaging real-world video (with transcriptions and optional subtitles), audio, flashcards, playlists and favoriting options.  Learner may check off skills they have already mastered so they do not continue to show.

On its About page, FluentU shares:

Traditional tools like textbooks have been essential for us. But what we’ve found is that we learn best through rich, engaging experiences. It’s easy to remember words when they’re reinforced by experiences that move you. We also believe early exposure to engaging content helps prevent learners from giving up before they’re fluent.

A site that can deliver such rich experiences, supported by the right set of tools, can transform language learning. We’re working to make that site a reality for you.  FluentU is brought to you by a team of passionate language learners distributed around the world.

The platform integrates its fun, interactive learning tools with the video elements, allowing users to study video vocabulary with a built-in flashcard system.

In the practice areas, users are invited to engage in fill in the blanks, unjumble sentences, and focus learning on highlighted words not yet mastered.   A series of blogs for learners and teachers are also available, providing tips and support for learning and teaching.

This is a fabulous platform for independent language learners and I believe the world language and ESL teachers with whom you work with will fall for it instantly, whether they subscribe or use the free elements less formally with their classes.

(While iPad is the mobile version currently available, versions for additional platforms are  in the works.)