Susanna Tsai, 2013

I have always enjoyed learning and teaching languages. Last year, I decided to refresh my Japanese and learn French, using exclusively the web for learning. I like technology. I knew of many wonderful and free language teaching videos, games, and other offerings on the web, and I was eager to try them.

An Unsatisfactory Experience

After countless hours, I was however left unsatisfied. The programs, one after another, were prerecorded. They lacked the immediacy and engagement of live human interaction critical for effective language learning. Often, I was left with lingering questions unaswered. Obviously, prerecorded programs couldn't address my questions or adapt to my learning progress and interests.

Some programs offered asynchronous forums for written discussion, but discussion forums are not helpful or timely for spoken language learning. Many programs were unfinished or barely started, and lacked pedagogical soundness. Many were teasers to draw learners toward costly online tutors or promote individual instructors.

I thought the web ought to and could do much better.

A Better Vision

I was also interested in offering online language lessons. I had worked on web-based language learning before, and many advances in web technologies had emerged since then. Internet connections had become signficantly faster, web video was widely available, and web communities had grown popular.

I had also been experimenting with new ideas for language learning. I knew much improved learning was within reach.

I wanted to build on the combined potential of these new technologies and pedagogical advances. I was particularly interested in incorporating collaborative learning and motivation techniques into the online environment. I had experimented with small close-knit groups, inspiring themes, and peer motivation, and they had shown advantageous for language learning.

At around this time, Paulo had been building web videochat technologies and was looking for an application for the technology. We thought the new language learning concept offered an excellent opportunity, and we began experimenting.

A Call for Support and Engagement

If you are like us, interested in the LoudSquare initiative and changing the learning of languages at a global scale, we look forward to hearing from you!