Could a Crowdsourced Language Program Translate the Web?
In the 21st century, the wealth of information available through the internet democratizes learning in unprecedented ways. But an age-old problem still keeps people around the globe from acquiring knowledge: Access to information is restricted by the languages you speak.
That could all change thanks to Duolingo, a new free language learning site spearheaded by Carnegie Mellon computer science professor Luis von Ahn. The site enables users to learn a second language (or third, or fourth) while simultaneously taking part in a crowdsourced web translation effort.
How can you translate a language you don't know, you may ask? If you're an English speaker looking to learn Spanish, the site starts you off with simple lessons to teach you the basics. But unlike your high school foreign language classes, you get to apply and hone your newly acquired language skills immediately. Beginning speaker are asked to translate simple sentences. As you gain more fluency, Duolingo increases the complexity
The Year in Education: Seven Innovations Changing the Way the World Learns
This year's education innovations focused on technology, leadership, and creative thinking. From the expansion of free college courses to teachers becoming entrepreneurially minded leaders, these are the most important educational advancements of the past year—all of which are sure to impact schools well into 2012 and beyond.