How to Choose English Language Learning Software

In the U.S. alone, there are several hundred English language learning software programs on the market. Many use good teaching methods, but others are just quick moneymakers for some software company. Choose carefully and you can find a software program that can dramatically improve your English.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide what's most important to you. No English language learning software can do everything. For example, if you want to improve pronunciation, software with voice recognition is better for you than software with passive listening activities. For focused practice, you can buy a software program especially for pronunciation and accent, building vocabulary or passing the Test of English As a Foreign Language. The TOEFUL is necessary for most colleges and jobs in the US so several programs target this in particular though you may learn more conversational English from another program.
2. Consider your learning style. If you learn best by seeing, choose a software program with interactive flash cards and visual grammar games. If hearing helps you more, get software with dialogues. Remember, though, that you usually have to see an English word to know how to spell it. Some reading and writing practice is necessary.
3. Short-list five to seven English language learning software programs. Visit websites and forums for English learners to find recommendations. Look for software at online booksellers and read the reviews. If you know anyone who's used English-learning software, ask which one what they suggest.
4. Check the overall quality of the software. There's a lot of good, affordable English language learning software available, so don't accept low quality. Quality software for learning English should provide audio spoken by people from around the English-speaking world, provide interactive conversation practice and use a variety of learning and testing methods.
5. Test the software. You should have no problem finding free trials of most English language learning software. Use the trial and decide how you like it. Are the directions easy to understand? Is there a help section in your language? Try a lesson on a more difficult subject, like the present perfect tense, and see if you learn something.

Tips & Warnings

• Check who made the software. When a non-specialized company makes English-language learning software, they usually don't use any real teaching methods. Software like this can be a frustrating waste of time. Look for software from specialized language software companies, universities or language schools or experienced English teachers.
• Don't worry if some audio is spoken by non-native speakers. It's useful to practice listening to a variety of accents.
• Before you buy cheap English-learning software, ask a fluent English speaker check it. Some very cheap programs may contain bad grammar and give incorrect definitions for words.