language translation function in google docs spreadsheets

[prognos]

http://docs.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=162725

Google just opened up their upload any file to google docs... but while browsing around I noticed language translation support in the spreadsheet.  This could be a useful tool for language learning.

[Welly]

so you mean upload a spreadsheet of english words and have it auto-translate them to french?

[prognos]

yeah, the function for translation isn't too bad for anybody to learn to use.  For you and me, its a walk in the park.  Now that I have a iPod Touch I'm trying to automate a few learning tasks into it. a language-flashcard-like ability would be great.   its hard to overestimate the value of salvaged time with a portable device.

sporadic recall fits in well with the Ebbinghaus learning curve too.  so every time I used to get angry and frustrated waiting on some line or for the bus or train, I now can use those slices of time to read on the Sony reader, or look up something on the iPod.

Its far from a polished routine yet, but already I can see the benefits of these devices.  More so than say for when I had palm pilots, etc.  I dunno why, but I'm using these latest 'toy's more, and more effectively. The form factor has something to do with it, a tablet like device that doesn't have to be opened and waited on to be turned on, and is more easily transportable makes a big diff.  So yeah imagine a list of vacab, and the translation in the other column or row, no more having to look up each term and cut and paste.  (assuming of course google's translation is up to snuff)