Educational Software

For all of the fun and games associated with education computer software, it is important to remember that education is at the heart of the software. The animation and sound effects are somewhat like the grape flavor added to cough syrup. It is nice that it tastes like grape, it makes it easier, more enjoyable to swallow, but it is the medicine that does the real work.

One of the areas of study that really works well in a computer software format is foreign language. Young children have an easier time learning a foreign language than adults do. And in today's global environment, being bilingual will be a big asset in the work place and beyond.

Education software programs for foreign language are available for most every language and age level. One title in this field of study is "Let's Play Vocabulary." It is available in several languages and is geared for children ages 8 and up. The software creates a fun, interactive experience with pictures, sounds and text. Learners can record their own voices and play back to see how their pronunciation compares to native speakers.

The designers of this software understood that it would be used by people with many different native languages. To assist with this, there is a fun character, a tiger, to help explain features. The user selects from 49 languages for the tiger to use. Likewise, all of the instruction words, games and menus can be customized to the desired languages.

A similar software program, "Kids French" approaches the foreign language in much the same way that the child learns their native language. Exercises focus on basic language elements like alphabet, counting, telling time and common objects. The lessons progress to simple phrases and common conversation items like discussing the weather.

Many people from other countries are moving to the US. They often do so before learning the language. In many cases the children in these families pick up the new language first and then become teachers to their parents. A software program called "Quickstart Immersion English" offers an affordable way to assist. The program is only $19.50 and would be a great resource at schools and libraries as well as in the homes of immigrant families.

The immersion feature is the way that experts agree is best to learn a language - by surrounding yourself with it. In the exercises you can turn on the immersion feature and the scenes are enhanced with multiple speakers - just like a real world experience at a restaurant or grocery store. This is a more realistic way to learn a language instead of in the sterile controlled environment of most programs.

To prepare the student for common situations, the software has 30 word activities built around common locations: In the City, At the Airport, At the Subway/Train Station, At the Restaurant, At the Bank and At the Post Office. Conversational activities focus on important areas like: Asking Directions, Calling the Police, At the Doctor/Pharmacy and Shopping. Mastering these real world scenarios will allow the students to be more confident and independent in their new country.