Allset Learning

At AllSet Learning, we’re interested in any and all new technologies that improve the way we learn languages. The iPad has impressed us with its ability to cross the generational gap, simultaneously appealing to senior citizens and toddlers alike with an intuitive touch-based interface. As the computer itself is flattened, so is the learning curve for computers. We’re excited about the potential this offers for learning. Not only does the iPad offer a new, hassle-free interface, but it also makes possible more physical learning software. We’re ready for it.

There’s almost a tone of incredulity in this article on Kirsten Winkler’s blog: 52% of Online Language Learners Consider Classic Offline Learning as More Efficient.

Frankly, we’re not surprised at all by the data represented by Busuu. We believe people try to learn languages online primarily for reasons of convenience, not because they believe it’s the best (or most efficient) way. We believe that most people know that regular face-to-face meetings with a teacher or other native speakers — preferably one-on-one — is the surest route to significant progress. To learn a skill, you must practice that skill, under conditions that most resemble the final desired outcome. But for reasons of cost or geography, the internet is often the best available option.

AllSet Learning is actively pursuing better ways of using technology to faciliate language acquisition and make the process more efficient, but the supremacy of face-to-face interactions in the language learning process is at the heart of our philosophy.

Photo by ConstantineD.

Thanks to all of our teachers, clients, and friends for coming out to Xindanwei (our old office location) and having a good time (in Chinese)! You guys make all this possible. It’s going to be another great year for AllSet Learning.

This month marks the end of AllSet Learning’s first year of operations. We’ve been sort of quietly slaving away on lots of things behind the scenes in this first year, but this year we’re excited about starting to offer some of what we’ve been working on more publicly. That means we’ll be posting more on the blog this year.

Whatever projects we work on behind the scenes, though, you can be sure that our clients will always benefit from them, and our ultra-personalized learning consulting services are going strong.

We also just moved to a new office this month. We’ve left Xindanwei, the co-working space that supported us and served as our base of operations in our first year. We’ll always be grateful to Xindanwei for the support, but it’s become clear after this first year that the business is growing steadily, and we need more space for expansion. Hence the new office.

The new address is:

武夷路351号201室（近定西路）

Suite 201, 351 Wuyi Road (near Dingxi Road)

Better pictures to come soon, but in the meantime, here are some shots of the new AllSet Learning office, should you seek it out.

The entrance to the office complex, from Wuyi Road:

The entrance to the office building we’re in:

Inside the office:

As promised, here are some shots of Xindanwei’s new location. (The AllSet Learning office is inside.)

AllSet Learning, since the beginning, has been located inside a co-working space called Xindanwei. Well, Xindanwei has recently moved to a new, swankier space within Shanghai’s French Concession. We’re excited about the move and enjoying the new atmosphere. We’ll post pictures once the dust has settled a bit at the new spot.

We’ve already updated our contact page, but the new address is:

No. 50 Yongjia Road
Shanghai, China

中国上海市永嘉路50号

Today is our first day operating at the new location. The photo is from the old location.

This is AllSet Learning‘s official company blog. For the time being, it will function as a simple one-way medium for communication, while other channels such as email, Twitter, or Facebook are used for communication.

This blog is maintained by John Pasden, founder of AllSet Learning and the guy behind Sinosplice. Because the Sinosplice blog will be continually updated with information about Chinese language and culture, we recommend you check it out if there is no news here.

Popular expat magazine Shanghai Talk recently ran an article on the pros and cons of various Chinese learning solutions, featuring AllSet Learning’s unique approach among them. Click here to view (JPG) the full-page spread from the August, 2010 edition of Shanghai Talk.

John Pasden, founder of AllSet Learning, was featured in the June 1, 2010 edition of the Global Times. He discusses his attitudes toward learning, as well as his goals with AllSet Learning. Click here for the full article (PDF).

ChinesePod announced its partnership with AllSet Learning on the Official ChinesePod Blog March 28, 2010. Both sides are quite excited to combine efforts and offer new, innovative ways to learn Chinese in Shanghai.