Second Language Software : Ratings of Sources

Our AssessmentDiscovery Education produces and distributes digital video-based learning resources in all core-curricular subject areas. The reviews on this site are primarily of children's software, although they are very comprehensive and are based on real-world testing in homes and classrooms. Twenty-two language software options for all ages and skill levels are reviewed and given both a "star rating" and a numerical score. The site does not pick a "best" option and each title must be accessed separately, making it less user-friendly than some other sites, but many titles are reviewed and the scores reflect real user experiences. KidSpeak 6-in-1, which includes six languages on two CDs, and KidSpeak French each receive a top ranking of "outstanding, highly recommended."

Our AssessmentLearning Village is an independent review center, based in Canada, for parents and teachers looking for information on the best in educational software. While only six products are reviewed, each software title presented on this site was thoroughly tested in home and classroom settings, making ratings and reviews realistic and accurate. Although geared to children, software choices for both children and adults are reviewed, including novel choices not reviewed elsewhere. Software options are rated on three areas of performance and a scale is available to define the ratings.

Our AssessmentLearningWare Reviews are written by Juline Lambert, a magazine columnist and former special education and elementary education teacher. Many of her reviews were written when she worked as a software expert for KBkids. Each of the ten language learning programs reviewed on this site was tested in real-world environments. The reviews are fairly comprehensive, but there is no side-by-side comparison option. Additionally, each program is given numerical ratings in several areas, but the ratings and rating areas vary from program to program, leading to a sense of inconsistency in comparisons. Some of these programs are no longer available.

Our AssessmentThe author of this review gives a detailed look at three Spanish language products in three different price ranges. He has high praise for Tell Me More, but he offers pros and cons for each software choice, as well as a description of the population for which each option is best suited. Although it only covers one language, this review is thorough and balanced and gives excellent information regarding Spanish language software.

Our AssessmentThe only real downside to this site is the focus on only French courses. Otherwise, clicking on the software title leads to a thorough review with detailed information for each program. Programs are also assigned an editor's rating, user's rating and overall percentage rating. Rating methods are clear and information is presented in both quick reference and more complete formats.

Our AssessmentWritten by a Russian professor from Duke University, this site has a high level of credibility, but is limited in scope to two programs, both focusing on the Russian language. Both pros and cons are identified and each program is reviewed in detail, pointing out areas in which each could be stronger, as well as areas in which students will benefit. A rating system is also used to compare the programs.

Our AssessmentAmong the most detailed reviews available for Rosetta Stone, this article reviews in detail the methodology and learning process used in the software. While it fails to assign a rating to the program and does not compare Rosetta Stone to other programs, this article does touch on both pros and cons, including whether Rosetta Stone leads to fluency. It should also be noted that the only software tested was the Russian version of Rosetta Stone.

Our AssessmentThis site reviews a number of language learning software applications that are available for download, but many of them are simply different language versions of the same program, and the reviews are identical. The testing of the programs seems thorough, however, and both editor and user ratings are provided for most titles.

Our AssessmentWhile this site only offers one review, of the Rosetta Stone Chinese Personal Edition Level I & II, the content is very thorough and comprehensive. It includes testing information and detailed information on the program and its specifications. The program is also assigned an overall score, and the basis of the score is clearly explained.

Our AssessmentWhile user reviews are always helpful and useful, the challenge with Amazon.com is wading through the reviews on Rosetta Stone to access other software programs. Additionally, nearly every available language is represented, resulting in only one or two (or no) user reviews for each software option. Fluenz language programs are well-reviewed here, but you will have to conduct a search to find them more easily. Other reviews give a better picture of most software choices listed.