Duolingo Game Review 2

UNEDITED VERSION: https://bit.ly/34mWebf The language learning community also extends to Game-based language learning (GBLL). The language learning community is a group who gathers online to learn a new language by various forms of “practice learning” like reading, writing, listening to languages, watching movies, speaking in order to learn a new language. There are multiple versions of GBLL. In class we discussed Duolingo, a platform for GBLL. I have been playing the French version of Duolingo nightly for the last 155 days (as of 22 SEP 2020). So it’s also an easy choice for me to discuss, since I feel like I am already a part of this community. Duolingo was created by a team of Carnegie Mellon students led by PhD students, Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker (Siegler, 2011). Duolingo offers various ways for players to learn to speak, read, write, and understand new language(s); including forums to discuss proper grammar and dictation. Duolingo website states “With over 100 million users, Duolingo has organically become the most popular way to learn languages online in only 2 years” (von Ahn, Luis, 2011). As the most popular application that offers users ways to learn in every form, I think it’s appropriate to focus on Duolingo as a prime example of the Language Learning Community. Learners may choose to play Duolingo via desktop or native mobile applications. Duolingo courses use a game-like concept called Gamification to keep the user interested and keep them moving through the lessons. Gamification brings aspects of game theory (Szulborski, 2005) into a non-game activity which can be seen throughout Duolingo (strength meter, levels, “lives”, etc.). The strategy of a game format is to motivate users constantly to exert their effort to make progress for the learning. It instills a definite sense of progress on mastering the foreign language when the mission in the game is accomplished. It also has a function of comparing their progress with their friends’ through a social network like Facebook. Much of the learning happens in the form of rapid-fire quizzes, which switch frequently back and forth between questions on speaking, listening, and writing. In module 3, I researchers game-based learning for Alzheimers and discovered multiple studies on how taking a test after learning may help cement that knowledge for longer-lasting memory of what was studied (Carrier & Pashler, 1992; Dirkx, Kester, & Kirschner, 2014; Jaeger, Eisenkraemer, & Stein, 2014; J. D. Karpicke & Roediger, 2007; Roediger & Karpicke, 2006b). This social aspect is another key piece of gamification and can help to encourage the user and their friends to continue to use Duolingo. I’ve stayed up playing the game longer than I would have otherwise because of their leaderboards, which are a little ambiguous. However, I think in some ways this also leads to retaking easier courses sometimes, but I do feel like I was still learning. In the Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, O'Connor, et al (2015) researched the effects of MMOGs and the correlation of this social support (O'Connor, et al, 2015, 25(6), 459-473). “Social support can be viewed as the resources that people are able to call on through the relationships they have with others (e.g. Cohen & Hoberman, 1983; Haber, Cohen, Lucas, & Baltes, 2007). Numerous studies have established a relationship between high levels of offline social support and greater psychological well-being (e.g. Allgower et al., 2001; Cohen & Hoberman, 1983)” (O'Connor, et al, 2015, p.462). Duolingo is made up of people wanting to learn for their job, travel, native speakers who want others to talk to, children for school, people who like foreign television or books, or adults who want to improve along-side an adult community course. In some ways, this platform may be considered part of the MMOG or Web-Based Learning Community. Duolingo is also set up for classes so teachers and tutors can use it as a class-tool. Similar communities include: Busuu, Fluent in Three Months, Omniglot, Linguaholic, Reddit Language Learning, Quora Language Learning, WordReference, Unilang
https://youtu.be/jAi8-BjUXNc

Duolingo Review

UNEDITED VERSION: https://bit.ly/34mWebf The language learning community also extends to Game-based language learning (GBLL). The language learning community is a group who gathers online to learn a new language by various forms of “practice learning” like reading, writing, listening to languages, watching movies, speaking in order to learn a new language. There are multiple versions of GBLL. In class we discussed Duolingo, a platform for GBLL. I have been playing the French version of Duolingo nightly for the last 155 days (as of 22 SEP 2020). So it’s also an easy choice for me to discuss, since I feel like I am already a part of this community. Duolingo was created by a team of Carnegie Mellon students led by PhD students, Luis von Ahn and Severin Hacker (Siegler, 2011). Duolingo offers various ways for players to learn to speak, read, write, and understand new language(s); including forums to discuss proper grammar and dictation. Duolingo website states “With over 100 million users, Duolingo has organically become the most popular way to learn languages online in only 2 years” (von Ahn, Luis, 2011). As the most popular application that offers users ways to learn in every form, I think it’s appropriate to focus on Duolingo as a prime example of the Language Learning Community. Learners may choose to play Duolingo via desktop or native mobile applications. Duolingo courses use a game-like concept called Gamification to keep the user interested and keep them moving through the lessons. Gamification brings aspects of game theory (Szulborski, 2005) into a non-game activity which can be seen throughout Duolingo (strength meter, levels, “lives”, etc.). The strategy of a game format is to motivate users constantly to exert their effort to make progress for the learning. It instills a definite sense of progress on mastering the foreign language when the mission in the game is accomplished. It also has a function of comparing their progress with their friends’ through a social network like Facebook. Much of the learning happens in the form of rapid-fire quizzes, which switch frequently back and forth between questions on speaking, listening, and writing. In module 3, I researchers game-based learning for Alzheimers and discovered multiple studies on how taking a test after learning may help cement that knowledge for longer-lasting memory of what was studied (Carrier & Pashler, 1992; Dirkx, Kester, & Kirschner, 2014; Jaeger, Eisenkraemer, & Stein, 2014; J. D. Karpicke & Roediger, 2007; Roediger & Karpicke, 2006b). This social aspect is another key piece of gamification and can help to encourage the user and their friends to continue to use Duolingo. I’ve stayed up playing the game longer than I would have otherwise because of their leaderboards, which are a little ambiguous. However, I think in some ways this also leads to retaking easier courses sometimes, but I do feel like I was still learning. In the Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, O'Connor, et al (2015) researched the effects of MMOGs and the correlation of this social support (O'Connor, et al, 2015, 25(6), 459-473). “Social support can be viewed as the resources that people are able to call on through the relationships they have with others (e.g. Cohen & Hoberman, 1983; Haber, Cohen, Lucas, & Baltes, 2007). Numerous studies have established a relationship between high levels of offline social support and greater psychological well-being (e.g. Allgower et al., 2001; Cohen & Hoberman, 1983)” (O'Connor, et al, 2015, p.462). Duolingo is made up of people wanting to learn for their job, travel, native speakers who want others to talk to, children for school, people who like foreign television or books, or adults who want to improve along-side an adult community course. In some ways, this platform may be considered part of the MMOG or Web-Based Learning Community. Duolingo is also set up for classes so teachers and tutors can use it as a class-tool. Similar communities include: Busuu, Fluent in Three Months, Omniglot, Linguaholic, Reddit Language Learning, Quora Language Learning, WordReference, Unilang
https://youtu.be/vJOJJv4EBYg

Duolingo for School

Broadcasted live on Twitch -- Watch live at https://bit.ly/3ipH9KY
https://youtu.be/5gN54GHJlso

Camping food grocery checklist

The following will feed a family of three while camping. Nachos, beef stroganoff, breakfast burritos, tacos, fruit bowl, pancakes, French toast, and more...

Food planning—

- grilled cheese

- hard boiled eggs

- la croix 

- milk

- cucumber

- smoothie mix

- yogurt

- bread

- Mayo

- grilled chicken

- cooked turkey bacon 

- breakfast burritos

- eggs

- tortilla shells

- cheese

- watermelon 

- honey dew melon 

- beef stroganoff?

- pancakes 

- nacho chips

- salsa

- sour cream

- ground beef

- beer

- wine 

Van/Westfalia life checklist

I'm not a van-lifer. I'm not even a very good blogger, you'll notice my last post was... waaaaaaaaaay to long ago. However, I love the idea of blogging and the idea of van life (in theory). So for anyone who is actually going to make this a reality, I've created a quick checklist.

Getting a Van

• Buy a van
• Get the title and bill of sale
• Get the van checked out by a reputable mechanic
• Get the tires checked, rotated, and maybe even replaced
• Register/title transfer the vehicle within 30 days of the purchase
• Clean the van

Packing

Van Essentials

• Toilet
• Air compressor
• Hatchet
• Shovel
• RV Fire Extinguisher
• Emergency Kit
• First Aid
• Co2 Detector
• Jump starter
• Car charger
• Lantern
• Mattress topper
• Fridge
• Umbrella
• Windshield scrapper
• ID
• Ubbi trash can

Van Wishlist

• Solar
• Upholstery
• Lithium Battery
• Wifi / Cellular Range Extender
• Bose wireless sound
• Headlamp
• Battery bank
• Hammock
• GPS
• Bike rack
• Roof rack
• Ladder
• Spare tire holder
• GPS Tracker for the van

Van Safety

• Bear spray
• Safe

Bathroom Essentials

• Toothbrush
• Women's sanitary items
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Soap
• Razor
• Nail clippers
• Towels
• Tooth paste
• Hair dryer
• Bug spray
• Sun screen
• Ear cleaner
• Multivitamin
• Makeup

Baby/Kid's Stuff

• Diapers
• Milk
• Wet wipes
• Stroller
• Car seat
• Bottles/Sippy
• Jammies
• Nasal aspirator
• Thermometer
• Vitamin D
• Pants
• Hat
• Shirts

Clothing

• Walking shoes
• Detergent
• Organizer cubes
• Flip flops
• Swim suit
• Underwear
• Bra
• Rain jacket
• Sweater
• T-shirt
• Pants
• Belt
• Yoga pants
• Socks
• Hat
• Sun glasses
• Glasses
• Wallet
• Gloves

Work Essentials

• Laptop
• Computer bag
• Notebook
• Whiteboard
• Planner
• Pens
• Headphones
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Phone
• Computer and electronic cables

Fun stuff 

• Playing Cards
• Camera
• Chinese checkers
• Camping chairs
• Fishing supplies
• Bikes
• Hammock

Food

• Coffee
• La Croix
• Beer
• Wine
• Grocery bags

Sleeping

• Bed sheets
• Pillows
• Blankets

Kitchen

• Fridge or cooler
• Cutting board
• Knives
• Bottle opener
• Coffee maker
• Strainer
• Utensils
• Plates
• Cups
• Cast iron pan

Momma stretchy trying to sleep

Stretchy the elephant
https://youtu.be/_2iXwQKTH1U

Get PAID to Move...

Apparently Maine and Tulsa are so desperate to bring in young people they will pay you to move there.

Did you hear about the fight for the new Amazon headquarters? Dozens of cities representatives across the USA sent Amazon weird gifts and videos to entice them to bring Amazon to their town. This is being touted as a smaller version of that. 

If you’re a “creative” and willing to give Tulsa a shot... they will give you $10,000, a free apartment downtown, and a coworking space. It comes with a few restrictions... but younger me probably would’ve been tempted.

In Maine, they’ll pay off young people’s student loans (over time) if you move there. 

Apparently, Newton, Iowa also has an incentive program but it’s for new home buyers and builders.

Have you heard of similar incentives from city planning committees?

The Value In Brand Management

We take branding to the next level. We help you build a strong voice, cohesive and beautiful aesthetic and user friendly tested design. We also help you achieve business goals; improving processes etc through web design, UX, SEO, Research, design and marketing. Follow @Desaraev at http://twitter.com/desaraev Find us on Facebook at http://bit.ly/12GE8HG Instagram @Desaraev http://bit.ly/lJglE8 http://bit.ly/jTznmx
https://youtu.be/4SdArqyfQ2g

Untitled

https://youtu.be/Rhkdpobckv0

Untitled

https://youtu.be/XH44mI6IWvU

Untitled

https://youtu.be/P3q8Tk17R3U

Untitled

https://youtu.be/dG-6pyLlvrc

Chat with Mike Boardley

These are the video diaries of ux/ui designer @Desaraev and her cutie pie yorkshire puppy. Some of it is entertaining, maybe dull, maybe just a review but that is all part of day to day life. Live, learn, watch and subscribe. Please leave your feedback in the comments! See more of Yorkie Charles at http://twitter.com/yorkiecharles Follow @Desaraev at http://twitter.com/desaraev Find us on Facebook at http://bit.ly/12GE8HG Instagram @Desaraev http://bit.ly/lJglE8 http://bit.ly/jTznmx
https://youtu.be/vdTQkrId1M4

Technology Q&A

These are the video diaries of ux/ui designer @Desaraev and her cutie pie yorkshire puppy. Some of it is entertaining, maybe dull, maybe just a review but that is all part of day to day life. Live, learn, watch and subscribe. Please leave your feedback in the comments! See more of Yorkie Charles at http://twitter.com/yorkiecharles Follow @Desaraev at http://twitter.com/desaraev Find us on Facebook at http://bit.ly/12GE8HG Instagram @Desaraev http://bit.ly/lJglE8 http://bit.ly/jTznmx
https://youtu.be/j8jsNVhNFYc

Tech Q&A

These are the video diaries of ux/ui designer @Desaraev and her cutie pie yorkshire puppy. Some of it is entertaining, maybe dull, maybe just a review but that is all part of day to day life. Live, learn, watch and subscribe. Please leave your feedback in the comments! See more of Yorkie Charles at http://twitter.com/yorkiecharles Follow @Desaraev at http://twitter.com/desaraev Find us on Facebook at http://bit.ly/12GE8HG Instagram @Desaraev http://bit.ly/lJglE8 http://bit.ly/jTznmx
https://youtu.be/WM2rwk2OWBE

Tech Q&A

These are the video diaries of ux/ui designer @Desaraev and her cutie pie yorkshire puppy. Some of it is entertaining, maybe dull, maybe just a review but that is all part of day to day life. Live, learn, watch and subscribe. Please leave your feedback in the comments! See more of Yorkie Charles at http://twitter.com/yorkiecharles Follow @Desaraev at http://twitter.com/desaraev Find us on Facebook at http://bit.ly/12GE8HG Instagram @Desaraev http://bit.ly/lJglE8 http://bit.ly/jTznmx
https://youtu.be/Ph9AvgJ3Ov0

12 Strong Movie Review

This was a heart wrenching high action movie about 12 men who went into Afghanistan to try to end terrorism on the United States. It showed men fighting on horses in a war that seemed out of place. Men who became unlikely allies. If you watch this movie, you will likely be surprised at the tone, because it's not overly dramatic or sad.

I recommend this movie and give it a solid 5 stars. I loved it and left with a newfound respect for those men and love for our soldiers. It is sad to know what is going on around the world right now, the courage and compassion that these men show. Plus Chris Hemsworth plays the lead role.

Building a small business tech q and a

More details on the items discussed: http://bit.ly/2njuxuy Business IT Q&A I am looking to start a conversation via video podcasts to connect my friends and business contacts. The podcast will initially be centered around answering IT questions in my wheelhouse. Topic Ideas: personal branding, building a business online, how to sell things online, social media management, SEO (search engine optimization), websites, BI (business intelligence), AI (artificial intelligence), front-end development, UX (user experience) and machine learning. I’d like to introduce my friends who have small businesses, start the conversation rolling and see where this goes. Thinking a video once a week (until I start podcasting and more by request) next one at 4PM on Friday. If you have questions, feedback, or topic ideas please leave me a comment!!! Information mentioned in this weeks video: Top Website Platforms (question by Zachary Bales-Henry) • WordPress is a free CMS (content management system) it’s easy to use and easy to setup just be sure to keep your hosting and platform up to date or pay someone to manage it. It’s PHP based and open source. Lots of free plugins to quickly customize your website but more plugins can slow down your site and cause vulnerabilities. Ecommerce plug-ins for WordPress - Shopify. • Blogger/Blogspot was created by Google. It’s free to use and very simple. Great for monetizing a blog. A little complicated to customize and a pain to add CSS. No plugin or api integrations. You cannot easily do Ecommerce on blogger. • Drupal and Joomla complicated CMS systems for bigger companies • Magento is an Ecommerce CMS for companies with an IT team • Angular, Angular 2/4, NodeJS, React - these are coding languages for advanced development and customization (I’ve built sites for all of these) Do you think having a personal app for your business is still important. Or is it worth it? (Question by Zachary Bales-Henry) Yes, it can be worth it to create a custom mobile app but it depends on your goals and your budget. Good examples of business apps and goals: • Coldwell Banker Real Estate app (easy to find homes and share them with your realtor) • Starbucks and Caribou for payment and rewards (easier payment and to keep customers engaged..even addicted to gamifying drinking coffee) • Walgreens (prescription management, purchase, renewals) • Amazon purchases (get users to buy more but simplify the web experience for your phone) Thanks for watching! I made the video public so that you can share it with friends. Please leave me a comment, I’d appreciate your feedback or questions.
https://youtu.be/iG_AjMLfAKQ

Technology Q&A for Small Business Owners about Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Tech Q&A - Discussion on Search Engine Optimization, especially for WIX users. If you have website questions and like this video please leave me a comment and I'll answer it next Friday at 4PM CST. I am looking to start a conversation via video podcasts to connect my friends and business contacts. The podcast will initially be centered around answering IT questions in my wheelhouse. Topic Ideas: personal branding, building a business online, how to sell things online, social media management, SEO (search engine optimization), websites, BI (business intelligence), AI (artificial intelligence), front-end development, UX (user experience) and machine learning. I’d like to introduce my friends who have small businesses, start the conversation rolling and see where this goes. Discussed this week: · Google Webmaster Tools · Robots.txt · SERPs · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · WIX is harder than some CMS systems to optimize because you can't use rich snippets and lack of code access (it's drag and drop) · Google Analytics to know your audience, where they are coming from and which pages are not performing well · Google Keyword Planner for keyword research · The keywords you think you want to rank for might not be what your customers are using to search for you and how to do basic keyword research · Keywords must be in content on your website to be useful
https://youtu.be/RKWuPxRtJP8