We are big believers in language learning as a social process. That said, we do take a different approach than some of the other leading, language social network verticals (e.g. LiveMocha, Mango Languages, Shanghai-based iTalki, etc). While they tend to put the emphasis on making connections first and then introducing the language learning content after, we feel that the lesson is the not only the first step (also see Ken’s excellent post on this topic), but the whole reason the community is attracted and engaged in the first place! This concept of ‘object-centered sociality‘, rather the user-centered sociality, has given us a clear vision for how we need to continue building out the service. The lessons spark the learning process, students add fuel to the fire.
Meetups & Groups
We have learned a lot of lessons from 88Groups on how to provide tools to bring our LanguagePod’s into the classrooms and group environments. We are currently looking at adding a number of new features to SpanishPod & ChinesePod to both help organize regional and affinity groups, as well as make it easier for these groups to organize their studies. Please let us know if you have any requests.
Hank.
I organize such a meetup.com group to practice Chinese and also have attended another one nearby a few times. In fact, last time we covered a CPod lesson and plan to do so again tomorrow.
I’ve tried organizing the meeting several different ways with varying degrees of success. With some groups you just a “show up and start talking Chinese”. But this generally doesn’t work as well as having something specific to discuss.
A while back, CPod provided lesson plans for the lessons. Having a template covering a generic lesson meetup might help some groups stay on track. After some trial and error, these plans aren’t too difficult to make on our own. However, each group still needs to go through its learning curve.
I also teach a meetup group and the problem that I’ve encountered is that students with no prior Chinese study who use ChinesePod have trouble grasping the basics of the language. The Newbie lessons are loosely connected, which is great to build vocab, but not easy to build a foundation with. Students need some sort of direction where they can build upon what they’ve learn. When jumping from one lesson to another, there is not enough repetition to help key phrases and vocab stick.