How to Choose Spanish Language Learning Software

Spanish language learning software is a great way take your Spanish studies to the next level. Whether you need a little tourist Spanish or you want to increase your existing vocabulary, there's software that can help. When you know how to identify quality Spanish software and choose based on your needs, your investment in the software will pay off even more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide what you need the most work on. No one Spanish language learning software program will excel at everything. You'll need to prioritize your requirements. Do you mostly want to build your vocabulary, improve your grammar skills or work on your accent? Depending on your needs, you might look for software with interactive flash cards, interesting grammar exercises and games or voice recognition software.
2. Think about whether you prefer an exercise-based program or a communicative approach. The communicative approach, with less emphasis on grammar, can work well for English-speaking learners of Spanish. Spanish grammar is similar to English (compared to, say, Arabic or Chinese), so you can make grammar mistakes and still communicate.
3. Assess your level and look for software that can advance you. English speakers typically learn Spanish quickly. This is especially true of someone taking classes or living in a Spanish-speaking environment. Keep this in mind and choose Spanish learning software you can grow into. If you know more than one third of the material taught, pick a higher level.
4. Identify some good Spanish language learning software. Using your requirements, short list three to five programs. Get recommendations from websites about learning Spanish. You can also ask for recommendations at online forums for Spanish learners or even local language schools. Spanish is very popular, so you should have no trouble finding people who have tried software for learning Spanish.
5. Check the programs' overall quality. Is the audio spoken by native Spanish speakers? Does the program offer a variety of learning methods, such as dialogues for conversation practise and quizzes for verb conjugations? Is it based on a proven teaching method or is it just a scattered collection of phrases?
6. Test the software. Many language learning software companies offer a trial versions you can download free. Before you buy the full version, use the trial and see how it works for you. Is it easy to use? Are the directions clear? Go through one of the lessons and see if you actually learn something from it. Activities that teach noun genders are a good place to start.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need Spanish for special purposes, such as medical Spanish, there are software programs available that concentrate on specific vocabulary and situations.
• Don't rely completely on software to teach you Spanish. Spanish language TV, radio stations and newspapers are also useful learning tools. If you have a local Spanish-speaking community, get out and meet people for conversation practice.