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I really don’t understand the criticism of duolingo. No one who uses it thinks of it as teaching fluency but the criticisms always seems to frame it that way. It’s an enjoyable app to help you get the basics of a new language. I’ve seen it work with my partner. We don’t have to compare it to full immersion to think of it as useful

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Duolingo doesn't force people to move on soon enough. If your goal is learn the language instead of playing a game it just isn't a good system.

How would 'forcing' you actually work? Lock you out of the app until you've conversed with a native speaker?

If you are committed to learning a language you will naturally seek out the occasions to practice it outside the app. Duolingo doesn't need to 'force' you to do anything. It's not a parent, it's a helping tool. It seems that most critics of Duolingo have unrealistic expectations.

I agree, as a passive thing it's definitely better than nothing.

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