Ponddy Announces Breakthrough Language Learning Product for Teenagers with New Leading Edge Chinese Series
SAN JOSE, Calif. (PRWEB) March 05, 2019 -- Ponddy Education Inc., an industry leader in personalized language learning, today announced the release of its Leading Edge Chinese Series, a set of thematic interactive learning modules (Pondlets) built to spark the interest of students while making the Chinese-learning experience seamless. This release introduces the beginners’ level of the series, which will develop into six levels, from beginners to advanced. Advanced level will provide learners proficiency equivalent to the ACTFL superior level, the HSK 6+ level and the TOCFL C1 level.
The Leading Edge Chinese Series is available on Ponddy’s Reader Library and Smart Textbooks. It was written in collaboration with professional screenwriters, and combined with the power of the Ponddy AI platform to foster independent reading for Chinese learners. As such, it is a well-suited example of Ponddy’s disruptive approach to language-learning, which uses Artificial intelligence to turn any content submitted on the platform into interactive learning material that follows the learner’s growth.
Ponddy’s proprietary Affinity Knowledge Learning System (AKLS) uses Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning to level vocabulary and content to meet national and international standards. It also helps students know whether or not a piece of content is in line with their proficiency. It enables teachers to select focused vocabulary and grammar points, add narration and append learning resources and questions. The result is a learning environment that is enjoyable to both students and teachers, enabling fast learning and lasting retention.
This series was developed using the Ponddy Reader platform, and made specifically for teenage learners. It tells the story of Bella and Sam, two American teenagers attending school in Shanghai. Each level will consist of at least 20 pondlets with audio narration, photo vocabulary, grammar points, a built-in dictionary and language scaffolding tools created to facilitate Chinese comprehension and retention.
Traditional publishers can take years to create textbooks and content that is often incompatible with students’ interests or needs, making learning a language a grueling experience for most. The Pondlets are not only more efficient at bringing students to complete proficiency, they also offer contemporary stories that spark students’ interest. Each Pondlet aligns with the HSK, TOCFL and ACTFL language proficiency standards, making it easier for teachers to create classes that meet standard requirements while keeping their students interested.
"Ponddy Reader makes me feel like I have a teaching assistant,” says Julie Wei, Chinese teacher at the Colorado Academy. “The user friendly platform is giving my students tremendous support to be independent and motivated to read and to learn. I particularly enjoy the Leading Edge series. The students are able to see what China really is like through Bella and Sam's eyes. We’re very much looking forward to reading the higher level series."
The announcement of the new Leading Edge Series adds another major milestone to Ponddy’s expansion. It follows the launch of Ponddy Tutors and Ponddy Reader at the end of 2018, a successful Series A funding round of $6 million in March 2018, as well as an approval from the College Board to provide online Ponddy’s Advanced Placement® Chinese language and culture course. The company also created Pondlets for language programs such as Flagship or STARTALK, a federally funded program, with thematic units spanning all levels from beginner to AP® level.
About Ponddy Education, Inc.
Ponddy Education, Inc. uses AI-based technology such as machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) to create language-learning products and services that improve student’s success while removing unnecessary costs and pain points for teachers and their schools. Our mission is to give anyone, anywhere, the opportunity to learn or teach a new language with ease using the power of artificial intelligence. We envision a world where language learning is not seen as a barrier to overcome, but as an instrument that unlocks potential and connections for all. To learn more about Ponddy Education, visit http://www.ponddy.ai.
Note: AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
Monica Chao, Ponddy Education Inc., http://ponddy.ai, 4088007798, [email protected]
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