Getting Started with Duolingo in Spanish

Starting this quarter, you will be required to complete 200 XPs (experience points) in Spanish at

www.duolingo.com. The idea is that the more practice you can get with the language, the

better. While no computer program can replace face-to-face instruction and interaction with

others, duolingo is the best free online language learning program. Most of the features are also

available on a downloadable app, so you could also practice on your phone.

(1) Go to www.duolingo.com.

(2) Take the brief “tour” in any available language to experience how the program works.

(3) Create a profile indicating that you want to learn Spanish. Select a username that clearly

identifies you to your teacher (nickname a good idea), but avoid using your full legal name.

This site has over 50 million users. If asked, select the lowest level of daily XPs as your goal

(=10). Use your school email if you don’t have any other email.

(4) If you already have an account with duolingo, make sure you add yourself to my class (see

next step). Otherwise I will not be able to award you credit for XPs earned.

(5) Add yourself to my class at this link:

https://www.duolingo.com/o$o=ferrel.rose@bgreen.kyschools.us&s=EspDos

I will be able to monitor your progress, which will be used to award points for the class. No need

to turn in any paper because the program keeps track of all your XPs from the time you get

started.

(6) Task for today:

a) If you’re feeling a need for an ego boost, start at ground zero and complete the first lesson

(“basics”), designed for rank beginners.

b) If you don’t want to fritter away time reviewing material from the first weeks of Spanish

One, take the placement test to see what you can place out of. The program will then assign

you to the appropriate starting point.

c) See how far you can get with the program in class today. Time permitting, you could also

explore some of the other tabs.