How to Use Educational Software to Learn a Foreign Language

Computers open up all kinds of possibilities for learning a foreign language. Programs can help you learn vocabulary and the Internet makes it easy to write to a pen pal on the other side of the world. If you want to use educational software to learn a foreign language, you need to look for a few features to will help you make the most of your purchase.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer microphone

Use Educational Software to Learn a Foreign Language

1. Look for programs that have extensive audio features. You need to be able to listen to the language in its native accent if you want to be able to speak it properly. You want a program that covers all four aspects of a language--speaking, writing, reading and listening.

2. Set aside at least an hour each time you use your educational software to learn a foreign language. Some research shows that you retain more language skills if you have longer learning sessions.

3. Practice using specific phrases if you're going on a quick business or vacation trip. Most software will let you learn phrases to help in situations such as ordering dinner, setting up a hotel reservation and asking for directions.

4. Print out vocabulary sheets to practice while you're traveling. Some educational software will let you access a special website to supplement the language course.

5. Use your computer microphone to work with the speech correction software. Newer educational software features a speaking workshop where the program listens to your speech and corrects your accent and grammar.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the system requirements for foreign language software. These programs often aren't very demanding of your computer hardware, but some features may require a somewhat up-to-date computer.
• Your employer may pay for part or all of our language software if you're using it to prepare for a business trip or to work with more diverse customers.
• Some companies offer cheaper versions of their programs which are developed especially for children.
• Changing your computer's default language to the one you are trying to learn can help you increase your technological vocabulary.
• Foreign language software can be very expensive. Most of the high-quality programs cost hundreds of dollars.
• Don't get a program that tries to teach you two or more languages. While they may seem like a bargain, these programs don't give you the extensive education that a dedicated course offers.
• Be sure that your software license allows you to install it on more than one computer without having to buy a new copy.