Okay, you’re ready to get started learning Spanish vocabulary and becoming fluent—or at least somewhat conversational—in Spanish. All you need is the perfect Spanish computer language program to learn with. But which one? There are dozens on the market—though quite a few are free or very low-cost—and you can’t use them all. No problem… Let’s take a look at a few Spanish computer programs to help you learn your Spanish vocabulary and grammar… and maybe even have fun while doing it!
Visual Link Spanish™
This program, developed by a former university Spanish professor, uses a media-rich approach to overcoming obstacles to learning Spanish. This computer program is offered at LearnSpanishToday.com, and they’ve even got a sample module you can view for free. They guarantee to have you speaking in complete Spanish sentences in five minutes!
Before You Know It
Before You Know It (BYKI.com) utilizes words and small phrases as the building blocks of language, and their computer program allows you to learn Spanish using sight and sound. It even allows you to record your pronunciation and compare it to that of a native speaker! BYKI.com offers a “lite” version of their software for free download, and of course they hope you’ll upgrade to the complete, “deluxe” version.
Rocket Spanish
This product is favorably reviewed on several Spanish language learning computer program sites, and at $99.95, the full version isn’t terribly expensive. At Downloads.com, you can try it free for 30 days. Sorry, Mac users; it’s only available in Windows versions at this time.
Independent Review Sites
Superkids.com has reviews of several great computer programs to help kids learn Spanish, including Hooked on Spanish (from the people who made phonics rock), Mia’s Language Adventure, Jump Start Spanish (for pre-readers), Kids! Spanish, QuickStudy Spanish, and others. These products use stories, puzzles, interactive drills, games, and other activities to help kids from age three through junior high with learning Spanish vocabulary, grammar, culture, and other skills. You can also go to Amazon.com, BN.com, and other online “super-retailers” to read user reviews of all kinds of Spanish computer learning programs and other resources. FindMySoft.com also has reviews and download links for Spanish language programs, including QB Spanish, Spanish WordsGalore, LingvoSoft Flashcards (for Palm OS), StartSpanish 4.0, Recite Spanish Words, and well-known products like Rocket Spanish. You can select from freeware, shareware, and demos for purchased products, then immediately download them to your hard drive.