If you aren't familiar with the real Rosetta Stone, it is a stone artifact found in the middle east that is a critical piece of history in the understanding an Egyptian writing. It contains multiple types of writing (translations of the same text) all in one stone slab and is perhaps the single most important 'document' in the understanding of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. It is because of the multiple languages on this stone that early linguists were able to discover the meanings of many previously unknown hieroglyphics.
OK, so what does this have to do with computer assisted language learning? Well there is a great piece of software called "The Rosetta Stone" that was developed to help students learn language more quickly. I had the opportunity to review a demonstration copy of the software recently and found it very easy to use, well designed pedagogically (it builds very naturally from easier topics and materials to more complicated as a student works with the software). The software works on developing a students vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and reading skills primarily. For what it provides (hundreds of hours of practice and materials to work on), it is very affordable.
I'd say that it is very well suited to use in public school language programmes, for home study, community language programmes, and in private language schools that focus on communicative language development. It may not be ideal for programmes with a heavy academic focus, but would still provide a great deal of practice for students. The software is also available for teaching/practice in dozens of different languages (not only English instruction), so if you are teaching Italian, French, Turkish, Thai, Greek, and any of 20 or so other languages, the sofware is available for study in those languages as well.
When I was talking with a rep recently I found out that they are now offering the software with a free headset (that includes a microphone), and free shipping. Considering that they also provide a 6 month return guarantee, it is a really great opportunity to get a copy of the software. You can also send your students to read this page so they can look into getting a copy for themselves.
OK, so what does this have to do with computer assisted language learning? Well there is a great piece of software called "The Rosetta Stone" that was developed to help students learn language more quickly. I had the opportunity to review a demonstration copy of the software recently and found it very easy to use, well designed pedagogically (it builds very naturally from easier topics and materials to more complicated as a student works with the software). The software works on developing a students vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and reading skills primarily. For what it provides (hundreds of hours of practice and materials to work on), it is very affordable.
I'd say that it is very well suited to use in public school language programmes, for home study, community language programmes, and in private language schools that focus on communicative language development. It may not be ideal for programmes with a heavy academic focus, but would still provide a great deal of practice for students. The software is also available for teaching/practice in dozens of different languages (not only English instruction), so if you are teaching Italian, French, Turkish, Thai, Greek, and any of 20 or so other languages, the sofware is available for study in those languages as well.
When I was talking with a rep recently I found out that they are now offering the software with a free headset (that includes a microphone), and free shipping. Considering that they also provide a 6 month return guarantee, it is a really great opportunity to get a copy of the software. You can also send your students to read this page so they can look into getting a copy for themselves.
taken from: teachers-call.com
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