Comments and Conclusion
Duolingo language learning app is a unique model inspired by gaming technology and freemium model. The brand has the potential to touch billions of people across the world, and so does its testing product.
Standards of evaluating the language proficiency through the Duolingo’s test product is yet to be established through further research. The product is backed by an advising team who are experienced academicians.
The founder and CEO of the Duolingo ensured to make learning and evaluation universally accessible and non-limiting by physical space and cost. And this model clicked globally in the present pandemic situation. This fact is reflected by the exponential rise in revenues and registered users in recent times. Duolingo English test holds promise for future global needs of proficiency testing. It does make sense to invest in this venture while aiming to improve the content and standardize this product.
Lynette Manton, Head, Department of English Language Studies , KPU, opines:
“The security protocols made this test very attractive to most institutions. When no one could take IELTS, for example, because testing centres around the world were all closed, Duolingo met a need”
While mentioning about its reliability and equivalency to other standardized tests, she further states, that she looks forward for publication of more research studies.
Catherine Siermacheski, Manager of Assessment and Testing Services, KPU, states:
"Duolingo is being used because the Management wants both domestic and international students to have options available to them at this time. Especially for International applicants that are unable to take other English evaluative tests such as IELTS during Covid situation.”