Web Resource Review #2: Mindsnacks

Mindsnacks is a free web tool available through iTunes students can use to build vocabulary skills. It also exists in other languages so it can be used by other world language teachers as well. Mindsnacks is also available as an application on iPhones, Droids, and other Smart Phones. Beginning to intermediate level students will find the games are a fun and easy way to build vocabulary.

Students can practice the vocabulary in several different formats on Mindsnacks the free version includes one level of six different types of games to practice listening, reading, and writing. If one decides the app is useful, an upgrade can be purchased to access fifty different levels of all six of the games. Not all of the features are available on the free version. Each level contains up to 25 words or phrases, from beginner to intermediate skill levels. Also, all of the words and phrases have corresponding audio clips that are recorded by native speakers.

Each user gets a character or an avatar that grows in intelligence as the user progresses through the levels. The system of points and rewards keep users motivated to master each new level. Also, users can share information with each other and engage in friendly competition with classmates or see how they rank compared to other users.

The practice is individualized to each user because the mini-games create unique algorithms to tailor the practice to each user’s skill level and learning needs. It reinforces previous material while including more practice with words and skills that the user misses more frequently.

This application might be difficult to use in the classroom unless the school or the teacher can purchase a license to put it on more than five devices. Some schools have made it available on the Ipads that their students use and incorporate it into the classroom instructional activities.