[personlurking]

As someone who taught himself Brazilian Portuguese without apps or classes, I have to agree with you. It's all about the variety of approaches and the consistency with which you teach yourself.

As for the parent, if people aren't already learning via other existing media and/or methods, I highly doubt they will all of a sudden start, given the advent of apps. Mobile learning is the future because it's ubiquitous, not because it's game-changing.