Investigation of Duolingo-Music in Terms of Universal Design for Learning and Gamification Components

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the music module of the Duolingo application in terms of universal design of learning (UDL) and educational game components. The research was carried out using an evaluative design within qualitative research methods. Universal Design Principles Checklist and Educational Gamification Elements Identification Form were the data collection tools. The application was subjected to a detailed evaluation by three experts specialized in music education and gamification. According to the results, the Duolingo music application was mainly based on the principles of UDL and educational game components. It was determined that 37 of the 45 items within the UDL principles were met by the application, and its compliance with universal design principles was generally high. However, it was determined that some areas had the potential for improvement. In particular, it was emphasized that improvements should be made in features such as content customization, user control, and alternative keyboard compatibility. When the application was examined in terms of educational game components, it was seen that some features, such as customizable avatars and leaderboards, were available, as well as visual or auditory feedback. However, the lack of narrative tasks and in-game teams shows that the application must also be improved. In conclusion, it has been determined that Duolingo's music application has strengths and areas that need improvement. Therefore, it is recommended that the application be evaluated experimentally in future studies. Such studies can help us better understand the application's effectiveness and learning outcomes. In addition, suggestions can be developed to improve the user experience and create a more effective learning environment.

Keywords

• Education
• Music
• Music education
• Gamification
• Universal design for learning

Duolingo-Müzik Uygulamasının Öğrenmenin Evrensel Tasarımı ve Eğitsel Oyun Bileşenleri Açısından İncelenmesi

Abstract

Bu araştırma, Duolingo müzik modülünün, öğrenmenin evrensel tasarımı ve eğitsel oyun bileşenleri açısından derinlemesine incelenmesini hedeflemektedir. Araştırma, nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden değerlendirici araştırma desenini benimseyerek gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veri toplama araçları olarak Evrensel Tasarım İlkeleri Kontrol Listesi ve Eğitimde Oyunlaştırma Unsurlarını Belirleme Formu kullanılmıştır. Uygulama, müzik eğitimi ve oyunlaştırma alanlarında çalışmaları olan üç uzman tarafından ayrıntılı bir değerlendirmeye tabi tutulmuştur. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, Duolingo müzik uygulamasının öğrenmenin evrensel tasarımı ilkelerine ve eğitsel oyun bileşenlerine büyük ölçüde uygun olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Öğrenmenin evrensel tasarımı ilkeleri içinde yer alan toplam 45 maddenin 37'sinin uygulama tarafından karşılandığı ve genel olarak evrensel tasarım ilkelerine uygunluğunun yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bununla birlikte, bazı alanlarda geliştirme potansiyeli olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Özellikle, içerik özelleştirme, kullanıcı kontrolü ve alternatif klavye uyumluluğu gibi özelliklerde iyileştirmeler yapılması gerektiği vurgulanmıştır. Uygulamanın eğitsel oyun bileşenleri açısından incelendiğinde, görsel veya işitsel geri bildirimlerin yanı sıra kişiselleştirilebilir avatarlar ve liderlik tabloları gibi bazı özelliklerin mevcut olduğu görülmüştür. Ancak, hikâyeli görevlerin ve oyun içi takımların bulunmaması, uygulamanın bu alanda da geliştirilmesi gerektiğini göstermektedir. Sonuç olarak, Duolingo müzik uygulamasının güçlü yönlerinin yanı sıra gelişime açık yanlarının da olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bu nedenle, ileriki çalışmalarda uygulamanın deneysel olarak değerlendirilmesi önerilmektedir.

Keywords

• Eğitim
• Müzik
• Müzik eğitimi
• Oyunlaştırma
• Evrensel tasarım ilkeleri

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