Chapter 1: Introduction to Language Learning Tools

In my journey of learning Welsh, which has spanned over 1,400 days according to Duolingo, I have made steady but slow progress. Earlier this year, I decided to enroll in a Welsh class, which has quickly become a highlight of my week. Language acquisition thrives on immersion and consistent practice, but with the plethora of resources available—like apps, videos, audio drills, and course materials—it's often challenging to maintain focus. To tackle this, I invested in the Boox Note Air 2 Plus, aiming to streamline my learning materials while avoiding the fatigue of staring at another LCD screen, something I already encounter at work. I don’t consider myself an exceptional language learner (my French school reports could provide some comedic relief), so take my insights with a grain of salt.

The Boox Note Air 2 Plus operates on Android 11, which opens the door to an array of applications. I installed Dropbox to manage my course materials, along with Duolingo, Kindle, and Borrowbox (the latter being an app from my local library). These applications have provided me with access to resources I had previously utilized. Reading in any language on an e-ink device is a delightful experience, especially since I'm not confined to a single source like Kindle. Surprisingly, Duolingo performs quite well on this device. The built-in speakers allow me to access audio exercises similarly to my iPad. Although the screen refresh rate occasionally lags behind Duolingo’s smooth animations, resulting in some ghosting effects, the app remains functional.

Section 1.1: Utilizing Audio Drills

Beyond using Duolingo, I focus on two primary language-learning activities outside of class. My first task involves listening to audio drills containing essential phrases, which I then write down and practice repeating. These audio drills are stored on Dropbox, and I have downloaded them onto my Note Air 2. I can play these MP3 files in the background—either through the speakers or via Bluetooth/USB-C headphones—while taking notes in my dedicated Welsh notebook. The speaker quality is sufficient for my needs, and the e-ink screen allows for comfortable note-taking in bright sunlight. The device features two built-in backlights, enabling me to work in low-light conditions as well.

Subsection 1.1.1: Annotating Course Materials

My second primary task involves taking notes from my coursebook, which, like the audio files, I store on Dropbox. After downloading it to the device, I can annotate it using the NeoReader app included with the Boox. I must admit, I'm not fond of marking up physical books—it's almost sacrilegious to me—so I struggle to do the same in digital formats. The Note Air 2 Plus supports a split-screen view, allowing me to display the coursebook on the top half and my notebook on the bottom. NeoReader provides several modes that segment larger texts into manageable portions, ensuring readability even when the book occupies only part of the screen. However, the notes app behaves less effectively in split-screen mode, often zooming out too much and rendering my notes tiny. Although I can adjust the zoom, it can be frustrating. Additionally, scrolling through notes can create ghosting artifacts on the screen, but I added a refresh button to the toolbar to mitigate this issue.

Chapter 2: Enhancing Learning with Multimedia Resources

The Boox Note Air 2 Plus—and indeed any device from the Boox lineup—offers a unique digital learning environment. It grants me access to all the necessary resources, free from the distractions that often accompany my iPad.

In the first video, "Best Features of BOOX Tablet for Language Learners," explore how the Boox tablet enhances the language learning experience with its unique features tailored for students.

The second video, "The Big Boox Guide: Chapter 06 - Speech-To-Text-To-Speech," delves into the speech capabilities of the Boox tablets, demonstrating how they can facilitate language learning through innovative technology.