A decade ago, I may have agreed vehemently with this.  Since a couple years ago, though, I have to disagree.  The evolution of language training software is among the most impressive I’ve seen for any type of educational software.  I’ve been to beginner-level training in both software and classrooms.  In terms of material, they’re just as good.  In terms of helping you learn quickly, the flexibility of software tools edge out classroom instruction easily.

Myth 2: Software-based language learning isn’t for serious learners.

On the contrary, I’ve met a lot of serious language learners who use software. In fact, the few times I’ve enrolled in classroom training, almost half the class were bored professionals who were there because their company required them to.  Seldom have I seen people training with a language software do so begrudgingly.

Myth 3: Software-based learners don’t get enough practice.

While this could be true to some extend, it could be equally true for classroom learners.  Practice is seldom integrated in classroom teaching, most of which is spent teaching vocabulary and pronunciation.  For the most part, students will be responsible for their own practice, which is why we encourage people to either join or form a language club.

Myth 4: Language software only teach grammar and vocabulary.

This was true of early efforts in language training software.  These days, however, there is plenty of variety in the kinds of approaches language learning title take.   Regardless of your learning preferences, we guarantee you will find something that suits it.

However, that doesn’t mean they’re not useful.  If you’re an active outdoors-type of person who can’t really stay at home for extended periods, then more mobile options for language learning might serve you well enough.  A smartphone and a willingness to devote some of those dead time can help you can get a headstart on a language.

Here are some suggestions:

Audio programs.  You can download many language audio programs from iTunes for under $10 per module.  This can be a great way to get exposed to a new language, as the cost is very minimal, yet more cohesive than many of the free resources you can get online.

Quick references.  There are a lot of apps designed as quick references for those traveling in a foreign country.  You can use them to look up phrases to memorize and add to your vocabulary.

Flash cards.  If you use flash cards, you should try one of the many free browser-based offerings out there.  They’re usually good enough for the purposes of memorizing language elements.

One of the biggest issues for many language learners is cost: how much money will they need to spend in order to adequately learn a language?  Not everyone has bottomless pockets, after all, so finding the balance between cost and results is something you should concern yourself with.

Cost-effectiveness is one of the reasons students cite when they choose language learning software over other mediums.   You pay once and you get yourself a tool that you can use many times over.  Plus, not only are most current language software comprehensive, they’re usually optimized for really learning a language, given how flexible software can be.

Before you commit to a language program, factor in the cost and the likely results you can glean each offering.   The most expensive language training software isn’t always going to be the most effective for you, so do your research and take trial offers whenever they’re available.

How about settling for the cheapest?  Well, that’s your call.  Most of the time, though, you’re trading in effectiveness for cost, considering the amount of effort that’s likely been put in low-cost language programs.

How is the material presented?  Some language software favor interactive exchanges, while others will have you sitting down for a lesson that’s followed by exercises.   Neither of those approaches is better than the other, but you’ll probably work best with one, depending on your personal preferences.

How is the pace?  If you’re a slow learner, a software that aims to rush the student through fluency probably isn’t the best match.  On the other hand, a slow-paced learning program can end up boring you if you’re the type to pick things up at a faster rate.

What kinds of learning mediums do you work with best?  Is it video, audio, text or a combination of all three?  Some people work best with video, while others can find it distracting.  Make sure you try the software first and see how the presentation works for you.

What level is it aimed at?  If you’re a beginner, you wouldn’t want a software that assumes some amount of basic familiarity with the language.  Those who have a foundation, on the other hand, will probably not be served by more 101 lessons.  You want to know the level of speaking ability the software is designed to work with.

What applications is it best for?  Some language software are geared towards general use, while others are aimed for more specialized applications.  If you want to use the target language for business, then one whose material covers mostly language for tourists probably won’t serve you as well as you’d like.

Does it cover reading and writing?  Most language software are aimed towards speaking and oral comprehension.  As such, if you intend to learn reading and writing as well, you have to invest in a software that’s designed to cover those areas.

Do you want to memorize phrases or do you want a deep understanding of the language?  If you want a deeper grasp of the language beyond memorized vocabulary, then a software that goes heavy on grammar lessons might be more along your lines.

When you look at it from a non-native adult’s perspective, though, then things should be different.  By this point, your brain has already made the connections between language and the world in your mother tongue.  Retooling it to reflect a second (or third or fourth) language isn’t just about working with a blank slate.  In many ways, it’s about making old knowledge find a way of connecting with the new.

The more a target language has in common with your own language, the easier it should be to learn.   When two languages share common elements of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, it gives you fewer concepts to relearn.  It’s also easier to guess what certain construction means, since you have context in your native language to compare it to.

If you’re a native English speaker then, it’s a good idea to get a language software that was produced with an English native in mind.  Since it will relate concepts to your own mother tongue, it ends up being a lot more effective at achieving fluency goals.

Despite this latest weakness, though, software-based learning brings plenty of upside that makes a lot of people choose it over other resources.  The scheduling flexibility, interactivity and cost-effectiveness of language learning programs make them an attractive option for many adult students.

One possible compromise is to work with a language software in pairs.  Meet up with a learning buddy, sit down on in front of a computer and go through the lessons together.   That way, you get all the benefits of a language software without putting yourself in isolation.

Another way to get around the limitations of language software is to team up with other people who use the same program.   You can set your schedules so that you’re studying the same lessons and modules at around the same time.  That way, you can meet up (or even group chat online) at the end of the week to hold group sessions for practice and sharing.

During the last few years, we’ve been seeing more and more free resources for language learning.  There are now many free websites devoted to the endeavor, as well as free language software and other materials.  The question is: are these free language tools any good?

I won’t discount the value of free language software and similarly cost-free materials.  After talking to some people who have used them, I do believe a lot of them are useful to a certain extent.  In fact, I’ve met language learners who rely solely on freely-available learning tools and they look like they’re doing well.

Given the choice, though, I’d always go for a paid tool than a free language software.  Why?   The paid stuff are usually much more thorough, more organized, more complete and have undergone more rigorous testing.  Having been developed for commercial sales, the publishers invested more time, research and money on them.  As such, commercial language software typically produces better results, compared to those offered as free downloads.

Some of these useful tools can include:

1. Word puzzles and games.  Many Spanish language software use word puzzles and word games as a way to reinforce lessons.  If you can, look for software that generates these games dynamically, as that can lead to plenty of repeat play down the line.
2. Speaking practice.  Yes, software can record and give feedback on your pronunciation of various Spanish words and phrases.  While some deride the lack of accuracy in some of these tools, they do help, especially if you end up with one of the better titles out there.
3. List builders.  Most Spanish language software will let you build lists of words and phrases you’ve gone over (some will do it automatically by default), so you can have it as an instant reference.
4. Flash card makers.  So far, I’ve only seen two Spanish language software that include flash card programs, but most of them really should.  Flash cards are among the most useful tools for committing anything to memory.  If your software does have one either bundled or built-in, you should definitely put it to good use.

Lack of motivation is a common problem among many adult learners.  In fact, it’s probably more common than you already suspect.  Many of us are simply not motivated to do further studies — we’ve done all that grind before back in elementary, high school, college and graduate school, after all.  It’s just a lot more difficult to get yourself to do it now.

That’s why finding a compelling reason to learn a language is such a crucial step for everyone.  If you don’t have that motivation to drive you, it’s easy to cruise your way through any language learning program, even one you paid good money out of your pocket for!

It’s also one of the reasons why I prefer language software to classroom settings.  Fact is, many students in language classrooms don’t take their studies seriously.  When you’re a fellow student who works nine hours a day on top of your classroom responsibilities, it’s easy to be swayed to follow their lead.

With home-based language programs, you’re solely responsible for your own attitude.  There’s no one to sway you either way, so if you can find that compelling reason, it’s normally easier to stay on course.