Authored by Aemilia Jasmine Cleopatra and Irfan Rifai

 

The prevalence of technology creates new opportunities for education. Through Mobile-Assisted Language Learning, people can learn independently using technology. However, this popularity also creates a debate between technology-mediated and classroom-based learning. The key point of the former is promoting engagement, while it is social interaction for the latter. This study aims to explore students’ perceptions of technology-mediated language learning compared to the more common classroom-based language learning. It also examines how the latter approach influences students’ language learning experiences. The object of this research is two Digital Language Learning (DLL) platforms, Beelingua, a new platform used in one private university in Indonesia and Duolingo, a renowned platform. Through User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), Beelingua’s system partially reached a satisfactory level, meaning further development is required. When compared to Duolingo, Beelingua’s effectiveness is lower due to the higher frequency of errors, inaccuracies, and grammar mistakes. However, users agreed that both applications are fun and engaging due to their gamification implementation, but the repetitiveness and lack of challenges demotivate them. Lastly, 72.2% of participants would prefer to take the courses through the classroom-based learning approach if there were a choice, as lecturers provide more relevant feedback and they can clear confusion. Those who chose Beelingua over classroom learning highlighted its convenience and flexibility. They also mentioned that it is most effective in expanding users’ vocabulary, whereas lectures are more helpful for their writing and speaking. For further development, a DLL platform can attempt to replicate the strengths of a classroom-based learning.

Cite this chapter
Cleopatra, A.J., Rifai, I. (2025). Technology-Mediated vs Classroom-Based Learning: A Case of Duolingo and Beelingua. In: Chang, M. (eds) Innovative Teaching Methods and Learning Resources. Lecture Notes in Educational Technology. Springer, Singapore.

Full paper : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-0405-3_8