Transparent Language now has a whole new look! The web site is lighter, cleaner, and 2 ½ times faster with the latest HTML5/Javascript frameworks, which means that it can now be used on mobile devices. When designing the new site, they tried to make it usable by devices as small as a 7” tablet. Activities are still hampered on smaller devices, so they are working on a new mobile app.
With the old site, patrons didn’t always know where to start, so Transparent created a “Learning Path” to follow. However, patrons can still choose which activities they want to do. They can remove, add, or re-order “tiles” in the learning path by clicking on the drop-down arrow or grabbing the “handle” on the left which looks like two lines of dots. Patrons can browse courses and click on the “+” button to add them to their path.
The “Learned” section keeps track of how far you are. If it has been a while since you have done a section, it suggests that you “refresh” your knowledge by practicing words and phrases.
Other improvements to the Transparent Language web site include the ability to search for a language using the language drop-down menu and transparent help overlays that give you tips on what to do next (the latter can be turned off if you find it annoying). Four Square is a new, fun memory game where virtual flash cards are shown, then hidden, and you have to guess the right one. There now is a video course for Intermediate Spanish and more videos are planned.
I tried it on my iPad Mini and everything worked fine, although recording audio was a little clunky.
--Andrea @Central
