Tech BFF: Busuu

BFF is an acronym for “Best Friend Forever.” These websites and tips are so good that they will become your technology BFFs!

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Since I would like to use digital tools to reach populations that are technologically under-represented, I would like to find an international or multi-cultural community. Not only do I find an option-I find a huge option!

Busuu is an online community with over 30 million users in 230 countries. There are over 15 languages available to learn. The website explains that “Busuu is an online community for learning languages! You can learn directly from native speakers around the world.” Members are encouraged to learn and teach a language via the Language Garden. The Free membership I have gives access to vocabulary, reading, and writing exercises, interactive exams, and something called “Goal Setting.” The Free membership does not give access to official certificates and access to grammar units.

I really liked the description of Busuu in the About Us tab:

Busuu is a language spoken in Cameroon – based on an ethnological study conducted in the 80ies, apparently only eight people are able to speak this language…We have the dream to contribute to the diversity of languages all over the world – therefore we will continuously extend the languages offered at our website…and maybe one day, you might even find the possibility to learn Busuu throughout our website…;-)

My first set of exercises is a series of audio phrases in Spanish (the language I am review–learning) with a short assessment after three phrases. Correct answers earn a busuu-berry.

Interactivity on the site is robust. Within a few seconds of creating my profile (I chose the name of my course for my profile name), I received an Instant Message from “Michael” wanting to know if I, as a “Native speaker of English” would help him learn English as well.

If you have been thinking of reviewing or learning a new language, give Busuu a try!

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