Busuu
This site covers reading, writing, listening and speaking study options with a chance to practice in real-time with other language learners and native speakers.
The Busuu app allows for on-the-go learning.
Learners require some understanding of the language prior to starting.
Some features such as grammar lessons, videos & PDF files require paid premium membership.
Duolingo
Duolingo language programs teach vocabulary and build it into simple sentences though reading, writing, listening and speaking, with a ‘Tips’ section giving grammar explanations for each unit.
The‘Immersion’ resource offers authentic reading materials and a translation option for difficult passages.
Well structured lessons with good site graphics and pop-up grammar notes.
The Duolingo app allows for on-the-go learning.
Foreign Services Institute
FSI courses are developed by the United States government and offer high-quality materials geared for language fluency.
As well as the more common languages, the courses include an impressive number of lesser known languages, such as Igbo, Shona, Fula, Kirundi etc
The website is basic and some of the material is dated, but the courses, designed for complete beginners, are of merit and and included many hours of audio, as well as several repetition and response drills.
The focus is on listening and speaking, and less so on reading and writing.
Livemocha
Livemocha’s lessons focus on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills separately. Material is broken down for the learner before being reassembled, allowing the student to apply what they’ve learned.
The website offers a social network type platform with chat options and friend suggestions and a community which is made up of teachers, language experts, other language learners, and native speakers who help each other learn through networking.
Some features require paid premium membership, but users can earn credit by ‘tutoring’ other learners.
Memrise
Memrise offers courses created by its community and uses science-based learning techniques with"mems" - little snippets of imagination and humour that make things easy to remember.
The site uses gaming where learners can earn points, and compete against friends, and is good for learning and remembering new vocabulary. Users load their own own mems onto the site to help other learners.
Memrise has an app which allows for on-the-go learning.