A new teaching and learning tool has appeared in Google Translate. When a teaching and learning tool is embedded in an existing platform with over 1 billion users, in dozens of languages, it has an advantage in terms of visibility and potential.
It is easy to use, simple but powerful. It is also free! We will see a lot more of this, useful tools added to existing services, as that is where the audience lies. Those who are using Translation services are far more likely to want to learn a second language. There is the secondary audience, teachers and learners who have already decided to learn a language. It is this marbling of learning into workflows that is interesting.
Here are the steps for using ‘Practice’ in Google Translate:
1. Open Google Translate and tap ‘Practice’
On the main Translate screen, tap the Practice button at the bottom. It is marked Beta on the image.
2. Start the personalised practice setup
You then see a screen titled Personalized conversation practice. Tap ‘Get started’.
3. Choose your language level
Select your current level in the target language, in the example shown, Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced, then tap Next.
4. Create a practice scenario
On the ‘Create your own practice scenario’ screen, choose the mode:
- Listening
- Roleplay
Then enter or select a scenario, such as asking for a vegetarian option, passing immigration, or other everyday situations.
5. Review the word list
Before starting, Google Translate shows a ‘Word list’ with useful vocabulary and audio pronunciation for key terms you may need in the scenario.
6. Begin the roleplay or listening practice
The conversation screen opens with the scenario. You can:
- listen to the prompt,
- use translation/help icons,
- tap Hints or Tasks,
- and press the ‘microphone’ button to speak and practise your response.
In effect, the flow is: tap Practice → get started → choose level → choose listening or roleplay and scenario → review vocabulary → start speaking/listening practice.
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