In the matching exercise in Figure 3, the learner is first provided with aural and visual examples and then is expected to choose the image that matches both the sound and the previously shown image. If the answer is correct, the learner will receive a check mark as shown in Figure 2. If the answer is not correct, the computer will make a sound and show an X mark telling the learner it is incorrect. In this initial activity, the learner’s answer is based on trial and error. Home page Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America)įigure 2 shows one of the activities where the learner listens to a phrase and chooses the corresponding picture. Headphones are recommended for a better experience as well as for the program’s speech recognition system.įigure 1. The program first checks the learner’s computer for minimum system requirements,including checks for sound and voice capability. This program, according to the company, will be launched in 2012 and has been specially designed for K-12 students, schools, and teachers.įigure 1 shows the home page of the program. Here I will focus on Spanish Latin America TOTALe®, especially designed for grades K-12. The company offers language learning software in more than 30 languages and for different target populations. The learner can see the image and the text and, at the same time, listen to and repeat words or phrases. Rosetta Stone defines immersion as images, intuition, interaction, and instruction. The company calls the method used in their program “Dynamic Immersion,” claiming that this program is designed to teach languages in the way first languages are learned. The program uses a combination of images, sound, and text presented as PowerPoint slides according to the level of the learner. Rosetta Stone is a language-learning program developed by Rosetta Stone Ltd. Finally, I will evaluate the program within the framework previously mentioned. After that, I will discuss my experiences using the program. To evaluate this program, I will first give an overview of the program. Does the instruction promote effective involvement and identity investment on the part of students?Ĭummins et.al (2007) highlight that technologies should not attempt to instruct but rather to support the construction of knowledge thus students should use these technologies to “learn with, not from” (p.Does the instruction help students develop strategies for effective reading, writing, and learning?.Does the instruction promote extensive engaged reading and writing across the curriculum?.Does the instruction promote active self-regulated collaborative inquiry?.Does the instruction relate to prior knowledge and experiences derived from student’s homes and communities?.Does technology-supported instruction provide cognitive challenge and opportunities for deep processing of meaning?.Within this framework it is important to answer the following six questions: To evaluate the Rosetta Stone software, I will use the new literacies framework for software evaluation in school-based settings proposed by Cummins et.al (2007). These include reading, writing, listening, speaking, using technology, understanding visuals, using numbers, and critical thinking to communicate and comprehend the world. Literacy involves all the different skills and processes required to interact and understand one another. To this end, the term literacy has become widely related not only to reading and writing, but also to any form of knowledge acquisition and learning. New literacies is not a new concept itself, but rather it addresses constantly changing strategies, tools, and technologies involved in the process of learning and interacting with other people. “New literacies” is an evolving term that faces constant change as new technologies and strategies emerge (Cammack, Coiro, Kinzer, & Leu, 2004). Therefore, it is important to evaluate new language software within a new literacies framework. Language, now more than ever, is fundamental in communicating and in interacting with others online and face to face. Since online communication and digital technology have become new literacies in our lives, new software has been developed to enhance learning and interaction among users (Buckleitner, 1999). High-speed Internet connection (at least 768Kbps).Adobe Flash Player version 10 or greater.Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 3.0, Safari 3 or greater.Windows XP SP3 or Vista SP1 Mac OS 10.4.9 or greater Immersion-oriented language learning software Rosetta Stone TOTALe® K-12: Spanish (Latin America) ( ) June 2012 – Volume 16, Number 1 Rosetta Stone TOTALe® K-12: Spanish, Latin America Title Ethical Standards for Authors and Reviewers.
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