How can I identify a good CD-ROM language-learning program?

Lonna J. Dickerson, Ph.D.

If you are learning a language such as Spanish, French or German, for which there are many choices among CD-ROM learning programs, how do you select the most suitable program for your needs? Or, if you are studying a less commonly learned language such as Albanian or Serbo-Croatian, how do you know if the one or two programs you find are worth investing in? Let's look at some factors to consider before making your choice. As you read through this list, keep your needs in mind.

1. Computer compatibility

Check the system requirements to make sure you can use the program on your computer. Many programs can be used on either a PC with Windows or a Macintosh. However, some are for the PC only, and a few are for a Macintosh only. You'll also need to check other specifications listed in the software advertisement or on the software itself.

2. Overall quality and ease of use

While most programs will do the operations that the publisher claims, a few fall short of expectations. For example, you may expect to be able to hear all of the words and sentences on the CD-ROM, but only a few are actually recorded, or the sound quality may be poor. Also, you may find some programs are difficult to use, or you are not able to switch easily from one activity to another. Fortunately, many programs provide 30-day or 60-day money-back guarantees for customers who are not satisfied. In addition, on the web you can find user reviews of some software. Two useful sources for reviews are The Calico Review and CHORUS. You may also want to check the buyer reviews accompanying many of the products for sale by amazon.com.

3. Proficiency level

Most programs can be used by absolute beginners and are often useful for a few weeks. A smaller number are also appropriate for more advanced learners. A few sell separately two levels, beginner and advanced (e.g., Rosetta Stone).

4. Age level

Most programs are for teenagers and adults. However, a few (e.g., KidSpeak) are for younger children. Generally, these programs are available for only the most commonly learned languages in North America.

5. Content focus

Programs differ considerably in content. While some focus nearly entirely on everyday language (e.g., greetings, asking directions, shopping, colors, days and months, numbers), others focus on building a foundation for continued language learning.

6. Learning activities and other features.

• Use of English. Programs that focus on everyday language nearly all use English with the learner seeing the target language and the English equivalent simultaneously. The more sophisticated programs tend to use English considerably less or not at all.
  

• Use of target language writing system. For languages like Russian, Chinese and Japanese, where the writing system is considerably different from English, usually only the more sophisticated programs provide the appropriate alphabet or characters. Others tend to use a Romanized alphabet.
  

• Grammar information. This, too, varies with the sophistication of the program. While the information can be useful, some learners have commented that the explanations in many programs tend to be quite superficial.
  

• Games, puzzles, songs. Most programs have some of these options. Software for children may be almost entirely fun activities.
  

• Record and compare. Many programs offer the opportunity to record your pronunciation of a word or phrase and then compare it with that of the native speaker.
  

• Pronouncing dictionary. Only a few programs provide this feature, which is especially helpful for beginning learners who have difficulty pronouncing words they see only in print.
  

• Tests, tracking of personal progress. Again found in the more sophisticated programs, these features can be helpful.7. Cost. Prices vary from less than $10 to as much as $400 for the most expensive--and usually the most sophisticated and most complete--programs. Prices for identical software often vary considerably from vendor to vendor, and programs are often less expensive at North American discount stores than on the internet.

Some suggestions for locating CD-ROM programs

• To do a search for your language, we suggest you use all search engines at Intelliseek's ProFusion metasearch site
  

• Check the selection of products at stores that carry computer software (e.g., retailers in the U.S. such as Best Buy, Office Max, and Office Depot carry language learning software—and it's often less expensive than when purchased from internet vendors).
  

Some suggestions for using CD-ROM programs:

• Don't expect miracles. Keep in mind that no CD-ROM program is likely to help you learn the language nearly as quickly or effortlessly as it claims, nor will you be "speaking like a native" in three months or even three years.
  

• To help you get started in language learning before going overseas, try these suggestions for using CD-ROM language programs:

  • Learn some of the most common everyday vocabulary and phrases--items that you know you'll need to use as soon as you arrive in your new country. If possible, also work on these same phrases with a speaker of the language.
    

  • To help prepare your children for an overseas move, use a children's program with them. You'll find that you, too, are learning some language.
    

  • If you are learning one of the more than 20 languages for which there is Rosetta Stone software, we suggest you purchase a Rosetta Stone demo disk ($5, or free to educators) and use the initial lessons for listening practice. You may then want to continue with Level I of Rosetta Stone. (Those working in Christian missions should e-mail ICCT for information for obtaining this program at discounted rates.)

• If you are in an overseas language school or other type of learning program, try out one or more software programs as a supplement to your other language learning program.
  

• Be cautious about overusing your CD-ROM program if you also have speakers of the language you can interact with and learn from. Even the best learning tool cannot substitute for learning from native speakers.

© Lonna Dickerson, Ph.D.
Director
Institute for Cross-Cultural Training (ICCT)
Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL 60187