GoKawiilMegan Ellis / Android Authority
Duolingo users have taken to the app’s subreddit to complain about a change that has disrupted the progress of many. This time, it’s not the energy system, AI updates, or the owl mascot’s incessant scowling to continue your streak. Rather, course updates have left many Duolingo users stranded on their learning paths.
This kind of disruption remains a core reason I left the app in the first place. I’ve been free of the green bird for almost a year — but my dissatisfaction with Duolingo started when a course update ruined my learning progress.
Have the recent Duolingo course updates negatively impacted your progress? 2492 votes No, my course is fine 28 % Yes, they're annoying, but I'll keep going 50 % Yes, and I'm quitting the app as a result 9 % I ditched Duolingo a while ago for other reasons 11 % I haven't tried Duolingo 2 %
Course updates frequently disrupt Duolingo progress
Megan Ellis / Android Authority
This particular update is attracting so much attention because of how many users have been affected. In April, Duolingo announced upcoming upgrades to its English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese courses. However, these upgrades take place continuously across courses, usually on a smaller scale.
According to the Duolingo FAQ, “Duolingo continuously updates courses to make them better and more effective.” As a result, users will find new material in their courses. They are also occasionally repositioned on their learning path. However, the company undersells how disruptive this can be.
As some users are currently experiencing, you may find completely new vocabulary in your current lessons. The app often treats this new vocabulary as already learned, meaning you’re expected to translate it right away without an introduction. And since you’re penalized for mistakes, this can significantly mess up your learning.
Others are finding that previous units are marked as completed even though they never did them. Conversely, other users are now receiving lessons that are far too simple for their level.
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