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| Software Review | 
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| Title: | Spanish For Dummies |
| Version: | Windows 9X, ME, NT |
| Manufacturer: | Syracuse Language |
| Computer Tested On: | Generic 586-166 and Generic 686-1000 |
| Operating System: | Windows 98 |
| Reviewed By: | Frank Fogg |
| Review Date: | July, 2001 |
| Rating: | 
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OVERVIEW
Spanish For Dummies is newly released software from Syracuse Language for learning Spanish at a beginning level. The program consists of two multimedia CD-ROMs. This package uses several recent technologies to provide an innovative approach to computer based language training.
The first thing to notice about this package is the speed at which everything operates. Program installation and operation appears to run much faster than other programs of this type, and the lesson text, audio files and animations all load and run within several seconds, even on an older computer with few resources.
The second thing one notices is the extensive amount of help the software provides at every step. A cartoon character guide explains each chapter of the course using audio and animation. A variety of context sensitive help is available for each lesson and for program operation at virtually every screen in the program as a one-click help button. The manufacturer also provides a toll-free telephone number in cases where installation or operation problems occur.
The
course itself is divided into four parts. Each part has eight sections except
for part one with ten sections. The sections are organized by the topic they
cover. The animated guide explains the purpose of each part and section as it
is clicked on. Every section has an overview page that explains the content
of the lesson followed by one or more pages of lesson activities. Most of the
sections also include an interactive quizzer to test mastery of the chapter
contents.
This software uses a variety of activities to accomplish its goal of teaching Spanish. Some of the activities involve reading and listening, while the student is given opportunities to write or speak in others. Native speakers present lesson vocabulary for each section using video windows and audio clips. The user can simply point and click at an underlined word to have it read by the speaker, and the pace of speaking is a little slower than normal conversation to allow the student to adjust to the sounds of his new language. A variety of matching and memory games are sprinkled throughout the material to improve vocabulary retention. The games contain different words and phrases each time they are played, and each is unique to reduce boredom.
The user interface for this course is fairly simple to operate, and controls consistently perform the same function in different parts of the program. Each section is similar in design, allowing easy navigation through the material, and a button is always available to return to the main menu.
A sign-in screen at the beginning of the program allows several family members to use the program, and each user can access a progress screen that tracks student progress through each of the sections. Each written page also contains a button to allow the student to print the contents of that page for handy reference. The software also includes a built-in dictionary to lookup unfamiliar words.
STRONG POINTS
Reliable operation - The software consistently installs and runs without problems or program errors.
Simple to Understand - The lessons explain Spanish language concepts and grammar in plain and simple language that makes it easy to grasp what is being taught.
Program Speed - This software is one of the fastest running programs of this type that we have tried. Animations and audio material run quickly and without interuption, and changing from one screen to the next takes only a few seconds.
Help Screens - An animated guide explains each topic to the user in English, and a variety of context sensitive help screens are available at all points throughout the program.
WEAK POINTS
In a few words - Not many!
COMMENTS
This is a great program to give yourself or your child a headstart toward understanding simple Spanish. A variety of topics and vocabulary are covered, program operation is smooth and fast, and the presentation of the material is organized and methodical, yet fun.
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