logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
12m 35s

How to make learning as addictive as soc...

TED
About this episode
When technologist Luis von Ahn was building the popular language-learning platform Duolingo, he faced a big problem: Could an app designed to teach you something ever compete with addictive platforms like Instagram and TikTok? He explains how Duolingo harnesses the psychological techniques of social media and mobile games to get you excited to learn — all while spreading access to education across the world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
The hidden cost of buying gold | Claudia Vega
Gold may glitter, but the hidden cost of mining it is devastating. Amazon researcher and TED Fellow Claudia Vega exposes how mercury pollution from artisanal gold mining poisons local communities and destroys rainforests — and shows why protecting the planet is far more valuable ... Show More
33m 25s
Yesterday
How we’re turning pollution into toys, toothpaste and more | Xu Hao
It took alcohol 200 years to go from scientific discovery to industrial revolution, but tech innovator Xu Hao says we can’t afford to wait that long to tackle the climate crisis. He explores why most climate solutions are still stuck in labs — despite breakthrough science that ca ... Show More
14m 22s
Oct 8
The best thing that could happen to the energy industry | Matt Tilleard
History has been written by whoever controls the dominant fuel of the era — until now, says renewables entrepreneur Matt Tilleard. He explains why, as the clean energy transition ramps up, we’re moving from a world where energy comes from burning fuels to one where it will come f ... Show More
13m 51s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2023
How to make learning as addictive as social media | Luis von Ahn
When technologist Luis von Ahn was building the popular language-learning platform Duolingo, he faced a big problem: Could an app designed to teach you something ever compete with addictive platforms like Instagram and TikTok? He explains how Duolingo harnesses the psychological ... Show More
14m 46s
Feb 2024
Chinese Podcast EP86 Can You Learn a Language with Duolingo? 你真的能用多邻国学中文吗?
Can You Learn a Language with Duolingo like Apps? How is it like to practice your Duolingo like apps knowledge in real life? We have invited Ben to share his experience and thoughts on using Busuu to learn Polish. For many, starting to learn a new language with an app like Duolin ... Show More
30m 35s
Jul 2021
BB 5: Learn from Language Expert who Speaks 8 Languages and How to Learn English with Stories | Olly Richards
Olly Richards, iwillteachyoualanguage.com and langpreneur.com, is a polyglot online teacher, author, and entrepreneur. After buying a one-way ticket to Paris at the age of 19, there was no turning back on the language learning journey for him. Since then, Olly has learned more th ... Show More
1h 20m
Jun 2021
BB 3: What's The Right Path To Fluency? | Jack and Ethan Share Experiences on Teaching and Learning Languages
Jack Askew, tofluency.com and teachingeslonline.com, is an online ESL/EFL teacher, a web designer, and blogger. In 2008 he was offered a promotion at the marketing company he was working in, but he decided to quit and pursue his dream of traveling to South America instead. Since ... Show More
1h 21m
Sep 2020
English with Kirsty 177 - apps for learning languages - Duolingo review
I'm a language learner as well as a teacher. I don't believe language learning apps can replace tuition where you can ask questions/get personalised feedback, or practise with other speakers of the language, but I do think they're a great way to support your learning, strengthen ... Show More
17m 15s
Oct 2021
A masterclass in crowdsourcing, w/Duolingo's Luis von Ahn
Crowdsourcing is more than a group of people interested in the same cause, it’s a way to tap skills – and scale – that you don’t have. And when it works, it can be the rocket fuel that launches you to scale further than you could have ever imagined. No one knows this better than ... Show More
39m 13s
Sep 2021
BB 12: How Is Learning By Ear the Secret to Success in English Fluency? | Idahosa from the Mimic Method
Idahosa Ness is a polyglot, musician, and founder of The Mimic Method for learning languages. After traveling to Mexico at the age of 17 without knowing a word of Spanish, and struggling to connect with locals, he worked hard to perfect his accent by understanding the sonority of ... Show More
1h 6m
Jul 2021
BB 8: How to Achieve your Full Potential with Philosophy, Reflection and English Fluency | Leo Gomez
Leo Gomez, founder of Learn your English (.net), is an ESL teacher, trainer and entrepreneur. He has more than 20 years of teaching experience and has taught English in six different countries. Leo believes that individuals develop through reflection, experimentation and learning ... Show More
1h 25m
May 2020
A masterclass in crowdsourcing, w/Duolingo's Luis von Ahn
Crowdsourcing is more than a group of people interested in the same cause, it’s a way to tap skills – and scale – that you don’t have. And when it works, it can be the rocket fuel that launches you to scale further than you could have ever imagined. No one knows this better than ... Show More
39m 13s