As the new adage goes, when the product is free, you are the product. The free language learning app Duolingo is interesting for three primary reasons. First, because it demonstrates how modern digital technology can offer new forms of instruction, specifically self-directed education, in a subject as common as language learning. Secondly, how in this age of free services can such technology be offered to the world on a sustainable business model. Lastly, the service must succeed in its goal of language instruction, and be engaging in order to attract a broad enough base of users to provide a business opportunity. There’s a “groundswell” in online education, commended Dan Weld, a professor of computer science at the University of Washington. “But a lot of it is prepackaged video clips and other things we tried a long time ago that didn’t go anywhere. We need more power and personalization” (Metz, 2012). Continue reading “Student or Pawn? Taking a Closer Look at Duolingo’s Business Model”
Student or Pawn? Taking a Closer Look at Duolingo’s Business Model
