Self-Study Spanish
Copyright: KBkids.com
Self-Study Spanish is a powerful program which comes packed full of 'extras.' This program may cost a bit more than others, but it contains more than other program. The question will be, are these the extras your family needs? This would be a superb program for a family, who plans to travel to a Spanish speaking country. The emphasis here is on everyday communications, travel and business. For this reason, it will not be the best choice for younger children who 'just want to learn some words.'
This program is also meant for a person who is rather self motivated. You will be led through twelve units of study, with approximately a half dozen lessons each. It will be up to you to 'check them off' when they are completed. There is also nothing here which will grab the 'gaming fanatic' at your house. This is serious language study. Self-Study Spanish is based on another Syracuse product which will give you four college credits over the Internet.
Your box may not come with college credit, but it will come packaged with sixty thorough lessons on 2 CD's, Culture Break videos on a separate CD, as well as a Spanish Your Way review CD-ROM. You will also find a two-volume workbook set, grammar usage notes, a pocket bilingual dictionary, and two audio cassettes. Self-Study Spanish is also one of the first products to incorporate the latest IBM ViaVoice technology for much improved voice recognition. The only thing testers found sorely lacking in this package was a microphone.
From the main lesson screen, you will select the proper lesson, and work through the program in a very sequential manner. It will be up to you when you are ready to move on. You are allowed to navigate freely throughout the entire program. Units cover topics such as social engagements, medical needs, around town and travel.
Each unit you progress through will contain an interactive conversation, grammar lessons, vocabulary lessons, and activities which apply to the specific topic. The activities and exercises are workbookish in nature, but fit the bill. Just don't expect game breaks like you might find in more teen-oriented products. It was fun to have interactive conversations which actually changed depending on the choices you made.
Activities reinforce listening and reading skills, something missed by many other programs. Access to the Web puts you in touch with additional resources provided by Syracuse Language. Remember, that this is an immersion program. You will be expected to start listening, and communicating in full sentences right from the start. This may be a bit of a stretch for a younger, or less motivated student. Remind your kids to keep listening, they will be surprised what they begin to understand after a period of time.
This is an extremely powerful language tool, and contains more 'meat' than any other program available. This would be best for an older child, or adult who is serious about their language study, however, and not for general family fun.
Bottom Line: You will be overwhelmed with all that is included here. A superb choice for a serious student, or adult. Great for those planning to travel soon!
Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)
Overall: 4
BrainGain: 4
FunFactor: 2 1/2
EasePlease: 4