Analysis Of Using Duolingo Application Towards Students’ Vocabulary Development At The Tenth Grade Of SMK Negeri 1 Bawolato

This study analyzes the use of applications in developing the vocabulary of grade X students at SMKN 1 Bawolato. The ability to speak English is a very important skill in the era of information and globalization. Technology plays an important role in facilitating the learning process that can improve English skills, such as HelloTalk, Rosetta Stone, Babbel, Beelinguapp, and Duolingo. This study focuses on the Duolingo application, which offers 66 language courses in 23 languages, with additional courses being developed. Riva (2023) added that Duolingo provides translation system-based exercises, which support English-Indonesian and Indonesian-English translation. The results of observations at SMK Negeri 1 Bawolato with 30 class X students on May 22, 2024, revealed that students were less interested in learning English because of inadequate vocabulary, less interesting traditional teaching methods, and the tendency to use smartphones for entertainment rather than educational purposes, while interview data were analyzed to find out whether the Duolingo application can develop vocabulary in male and female students, and finally documentation as evidence in the field. The purpose of this study was to analyze the use of Duolingo as a learning medium in improving students' English speaking skills at SMK Negeri 1 Bawolato, Nias Regency, to address this gap and evaluate its potential as an effective tool for language learning.