Comparative evaluation of language-learning software for high school students

Educational Software Evaluation

Language-learning software

Download.com (download.com) offers 770 different language learning software packages. This author had an opportunity to review several programs, and will present them here. In reviewing 10 software packages, the author has chosen three which seem to be the best in their category. This paper will discuss the different types of language learning criteria, and compare the software packages to the criteria which the author feels are the most important.

Types of Language Software

The simplest way classify language software is by intended use: is it for actually learning the language, or is it more for performing well in school? Each of these programs is oriented towards high-school students, but some can equip these students with the language tools they need if they tour the country, or need to communicate with someone in his/her native language. Others provide tools, such as rote learning or memorization, which may help on tests but may not provide much real-world utility.

This review looks at a number of languages: Russian, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish and French. The language being learned is less important than the teaching methodology. Which software meets its goals, whether for study or true language proficiency?

Criteria for Selection

The primary question is: how close does the language software come in achieving its stated goal? The language software must be engaging, give feedback, and be fun for the student to use. The old-fashioned, non-computer methods of rote memorization weren't effective because the student became bored quickly. Retention is helped by games, visual clues, and socialization.

The primary selection criteria for these software packages were therefore user involvement: how many senses were involved in the use of this software? How much fun can a student have with it? Can the student get feedback from his/her own voice? Are the methods progressive, with a sense of advancement? Can it be tied to social interaction, such as working with fellow students? To this end, the author used the criteria selected by the National Foreign Language Resource Center (NFLRC)

French Verb Games 1

This is a flash-card program which is used to memorize French verbs. This could be a tedious task, but is made easier by the games-oriented flash card architecture. It uses flash cards and a series of games to make learning fun. On the downside, it does not have a voice playback feature, nor does it have native speakers who can help the student understand the context and accent for the verbs. It is Vista-enabled, and up-to-date with a 2007 version.

Human Japanese

Of the 10 software programs found, this is by far the richest in multi-sensory language instruction. Japanese can be a difficult language for Westerners to learn, so an involving software program is important. It uses recordings of over 1,600 clips to help the student hear native speakers. It has an involving feedback mechanism, and allows the student to hear his/her own voice. It is Vista-ready, and has beautiful graphics.

The other 7 software packages were "also-rans," and will be briefly covered in the following reviews:

Russian Language Learning 1.0.1

This program uses the progressive Lether system, which is particularly well-suited to learning the language and using it quickly in the Russian environment. Introduced in 2006, it is Vista-ready and has well-founded graphics.

Mandarin Learning Assistant

This program takes a difficult language and makes it easier for students to pass their tests. It has no feedback mechanisms (voice, recording, native speakers), old graphics, and does not support Windows Vista. Given the difficulty of learning Mandarin for western speakers, this is not a recommended program.

Learn French Vocabulary 1.6

This program uses a progressive architecture which builds the student's confidence by giving lots of feedback. Its native speakers allow the student to hear French accents and cadence. It has social ties and games, and involves other students in those games. Its reliance on games, progressive learning and feedback makes it a fun program for both test-takers and those who want to learn the language.

Flash Cards for Learning 1

This is a straightforward flash card program for test-takers. With relatively simple graphics, no feedback, no native speakers, and no Vista support, this program is a "pass" for those looking for a rich learning experience.

Choice 1.4

This multi-language program is a flash-card program which shares all the drawbacks of Flash Cards for Learning 1. With poor graphics (dating to 2005), no feedback, no games and no social interaction, it does not involve the student in a way that promotes learning.

Learning Spanish Like Crazy

This system uses a series of native Latin American-Spanish speakers to enrich the experience, and give the student an exposure to the cadence and vocabulary of South America (as opposed to classic Spanish). It uses recordings, but does not offer games or interactive elements. It is not Vista ready.

Learn Chinese 2007 5.1

This program relies on rote memorization with flash cards. Despite its 2007 pedigree, the program does not take advantage of the latest interactive learning tools. Given the difficulty of learning this language for westerners, it should be a "pass."

Bibliography download.com. "Learning Language." 25 October 2007. download.com. 25 October 2007 http://www.download.com/Mandarin-Learning-Assistant/3000-2051_4-10610484.html?tag=lst-1.

NFLRC. "Multimedia Language Learning Software." 2006. NFLRC, University of Hawaii. 25 October 2007 http://nflrc.hawaii.edu/NetWorks/NW31/.

Educational Software Evaluation