Duolingo announced the launch of 148 new language courses created using generative AI. This expansion doubles the platform’s course offerings, marking its largest content growth.
CEO Luis von Ahn shared the company’s plan to replace contractors with AI in content creation, signaling a shift to an AI-first approach.
Rapid Course Development with AI
“Developing our first 100 courses took about 12 years, and now, in about a year, we’re able to create and launch nearly 150 new courses,” said Duolingo co-founder and CEO Luis von Ahn in a press release.
Von Ahn noted that AI allows the company to scale content at unprecedented speed while maintaining quality. This development benefits learners by increasing access to language education.
The new courses mainly target beginners and include features like Stories, which improve reading comprehension, and DuoRadio, focused on listening skills.
Duolingo plans to expand advanced content in upcoming months, aiming to cover more learner levels.
User and Contractor Reactions
The move toward AI-generated content has drawn criticism. Some users reported errors and perceived declining lesson quality, leading to dissatisfaction and app uninstalls.
Former contractors expressed concerns over job security as AI replaces roles traditionally performed by humans. The company communicated these changes through an internal email, highlighting the goal of improving productivity with AI.
Company Perspective and Market Impact
Duolingo emphasizes that AI is a tool to assist human experts, not fully replace them. The technology accelerates course availability, supporting the company’s mission to broaden language learning access.
Key Features of the New Courses
- Beginner-level focus
- Stories for reading comprehension
- DuoRadio for listening practice
- Upcoming advanced level courses
The launch highlights the growing trend of AI use in education technology to expand offerings and reduce costs, while raising questions about balancing innovation and workforce impact.
Further details about this announcement and the company’s direction are available in the official press release.
User sentiments and reactions can be explored via posts such as those expressing backlash and others arguing about content quality.
Additional corporate commentary is found in the CEO’s staff communication email.
Concerns about the impact on content accuracy and contractor employment are receiving attention in social discussions, such as those sharing experiences of users who have deleted the app.
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