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March 16, 2011

Software-Based Language Learning In Schools

If you thought language learning in schools is restricted to classroom instruction with teachers and all that traditional stuff, you’ll be dead wrong.  In fact, many schools today are actually investing in language learning software, installing it in their computers for students to use as an alternative to more conventional language teaching.

Why the move towards digital learning materials?  The answer is actually simple — it works.

While schools continue to offer traditional classes, educators do realize the value offered by modern language materials, such as online web apps and desktop language software.  In some schools, the software is employed as part of the courses; in others, it’s used in conjunction with more traditional methods of learning.  However they put it to use, the fact remains: more and more schools are embracing technology in the language learning space and it’s a positive thing for everyone involved.

If you’re interested in trying out some of the more popular language software out there, you should inquire with the administration in your school whether they have any installed on the campus computers.  What better way to get an idea of how helpful a software can be than to try it out for yourself (and for free at that)?



Filed under: Language Learning Software — Tags: , ,
March 8, 2010

How To Find The Best Language Learning Course

Once you decide that you want to learn a language, the next step is figuring out how you want to learn it. Should you go with a language learning software program, sign up for online training or join a local class?

We’ve previously discussed what to look for in a language software. This time, we’ll go in depth about what you need to consider when finding a local class.

1. The type of classes offered. Are these pure instructions, where a teacher stands in front, while students sit and take notes? Or do they integrate group practice and field work? Personally, I’m more inclined to recommend any program that uses the latter, especially if they offer a diverse set of activities.
2. The credentials. Are they accredited by any organizations? Personally, I’d prefer ones endorsed by local chapters of well-known foreign groups for the target language.
3. The size of the class. The larger the class, the less personalized instruction you can expect. Try finding ones where the number of students don’t go over 15 heads.
4. The schedule. Naturally, you’ll want to find one that can accommodate your schedule, especially if you intend to keep a full-time job while learning a language on the side. Additionally, you’ll want to know how long the course will last.
5. The teacher. What are the instructors’ qualifications? What are their nationalities? How well-versed are they in both the target language and your native tongue?

Filed under: English Learning,Language Learning,Learning English — Tags: , ,
June 6, 2009

Taking Language Courses: Five Things To Speed Up The Process

Learning a new language, of course, is never as simple as just picking a book and going through the motions.  For the most part, the results you derive in language learning is directly related to five general principles that aid in most any type of adult education.  That’s right – the very things that aid you in adult computer classes can very well be the main factors that affect your eventual success in gaining fluency.

1. Being proactive. When you’re studying language as part of a class, being proactive means the exact the same thing as it did back when you were in school – studying material in advance, understanding the context behind what is being thought and generally digging deeper to expand your knowledge.  If you’re learning a language by yourself – such as with a language software – this becomes all the more vital, as you alone will be responsible for your success.

2. Perseverance. When the going gets rough, perseverance is what gets you past it.  Even though you feel like you’re reaching a plateau and you’re not learning as you should be, you have to hang in there.  Showing up, after all, is half of the battle.  Giving up will only ensure that you can’t succeed.

3. Practice. Putting in the hours is one of the most important facets of inculcating any skill set.  There is not a single person in the world who have mastered a craft without putting in the necessary time to do it over and over, regardless of whether it’s Michael Jordan, Isaac Newton or a language expert.

4. Organization. Are you able to organize your studies, notes, thoughts and ideas well?  While it may seem trivial, they are incredibly useful when you need to refresh on a lesson or when you need to figure out how you learned so well early yet struggled towards the advanced stages.

5. Desire. No matter how much practice and perseverance you have, if a language leaves you disinterested, you’re never  going to do everything necessary in order to learn it.  Desire is the fuel that spurs all of that and makes them possible – find your reason for learning and keep it in your heart.

Filed under: English Learning,Language Learning,Language Learning Software,Learning English — Tags: , ,
April 1, 2009

Language Courses: Which One’s For You

Thinking of studying a foreign language? There’s a wealth of options out there for those interested.

When deciding on which type of language course will be a best fit for you, try looking back at all the previous times you’ve learned a new skill in the past. What mediums allowed you to learn things faster? Did you find books more to your liking than actual classroom settings? Have you found interactive software-based courses more helpful compared to listening to an audio CD?

As with other forms of learning, not every medium of instruction will affect you the same way. For instance, learning from a classroom with a teacher is near-impossible for me. I don’t know why – I just pick things up faster when I’m working solo, with a good instruction book in tow. What options do you have for learning a new language?

Traditional Classroom Courses

Most classroom-type language courses consist of regular instruction (daily or weekly), along with accompanying learning materials such as books and handouts. If you learn best with people around, with whom you can practice with, a classroom environment is probably a great format for you.

Language Tutor

If you don’t like crowds but can appreciate the benefits of having an instructor to lead you through the learning process, you might want to consider getting a private language tutor. Private teachers, but you’ll get all the attention your learning is going to need.

Audio Courses

If you find spoken instructions a great way to absorb new knowledge, you might want to consider working through an audio course. You can easily find language CD courses in bookstores or in downloadable forms online.

Software Courses

With a good part of our workdays and everyday lives spent in front of a computer of some sorts, it only makes sense that a large part of language instruction is now facilitated through language learning software. Since the medium allows for interactivity and various types of presentation (audio, text and video), it’s become a popular option for many younger individuals.

Books

While books may provide capable instruction for many areas of knowledge, it’s difficult to absorb the nuances and pronunciations of a new language from written materials. As such, books aren’t highly recommended as a form of language instruction for beginners.

Filed under: Language Learning,Language Learning Software — Tags: , ,
March 17, 2009

Five Ways To Learn English Faster

1. Use A Language Learning Software. More interactive than your typical language courses and cheaper than taking a real class, language learning software offers the most cost-effective medium of instruction for anyone studying English as a second language. The participatory nature of a software course coupled with the flexibility it offers in scheduling and time makes it an obvious choice for anyone serious about learning new languages.

2. Talk to yourself. There’s no faster way to learn English than to speak it and you can do it even when there’s no one around by practicing with yourself. Take a phone book and read the numbers aloud using the new language, watch TV and make comments in English or pick random words out of a dictionary and translate them.

3. Talk to English speakers. Spend time with English speakers and communicate with them using the vernacular. Not only will you be practicing your own speaking skills but you’ll be picking up nuances they might have learned along the way.

4. Listen to English songs. Listening to songs are a great way to improve upon your English, allowing you to hear the language used in both a specific context along with helpful demonstrations of proper delivery. Just make sure to exercise discretion when trying to copy the language used in rap songs and you should be fine. A’ight?

5. Unleash your English skills to the world. When someone converses with you in English, don’t hesitate to respond in kind. Start a free blog and write posts in the English language. You’ll make mistakes but that will only help accelerate your development. Use the language freely and watch yourself improve by leaps and bounds.

Filed under: English Learning,English Learning Software — Tags: , , , , , , ,

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