The Rosetta Stone Language Library

Description:

This language learning CD-ROM is based on immersion-learning techniques.  It uses a text, sound and picture method for each language lesson.  First, the user selects a language.  There are many languages represented.  Second, the user selects a lesson. Depending on the learner's level of proficiency, it is possible to start at any lesson. Third, the learner selects an activity.  For example, the user can select Spanish, then select lesson one ( for instance it may be about animals) and then the activity selected provides five areas of language skills to practice:  listening and reading, just listening, just reading, speaking and recording.  The CD-ROM uses native speakers voices.

Ease of Use:

Navigating through the lessons is not difficult.  The activities are user friendly.  Each language unit contains four frames:  login, lessons, activities and pictures.  The user can customize the lesson to suit their needs.

Reflections:

In my opinion, the one item that really impressed me is that the user could record their pronounciations and compare it to the native speaker's voice.  I also was excited to be able to customize the activities to the language skill I wanted to acquire, for instance, listening and speaking.  Two items turned me off:  there was a guarantee that learning would endure and any language background would work.  This sort of language used to describe software leads me to be much more critical of the entire process.  One thing that was missing was integrating cultural information about each of the languages.