--- Forwarded Message from "Rodriguez, Jose' C" <[log in to unmask]> --- >From: "Rodriguez, Jose' C" <[log in to unmask]> >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]> >Date: Mon, 26 May 2008 20:03:19 -0400 >Subject: RE: #8854 Rosetta Stone / Pimsleur >Thread-Topic: #8854 Rosetta Stone / Pimsleur >Thread-Index: Aci9AdN0DSXhBUN9Q5WmPvpI/1hYJwCh8nEJ >References: <[log in to unmask]> >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> >Accept-Language: en-US >acceptlanguage: en-US I have not used Pimsleur and don't know much about it, beyond that fact that it is an audio-only title. At Emory University, we do use Rosetta Stone, but I am still undecided as to it's effectiveness. I purchased about 8 language titles for our lab (only 1 copy of each language title, and each one is checked out by students and used at any of 20 computers, PC or Mac). My impression is that students want it because they've heard of it or seen it in advertisements, but once they start using it they lose patience quickly. Unlike Pimsleur which I suspect one can quickly pick up some basic conversational skills through memorization of repetitive phrases, Rosetta Stone will not provide any conversational learning until well into the program (and that can take a LONG time). The exercises ramp up very gradually, and there are many per unit. One is definitely surprised with how quickly one beings to retain vocabulary and how much it does "stick", however (I have used Rosetta Stone myself for Swahili and for Arabic and still remember much of the vocabulary). And through much repetition, good pronunciation seems possible as well. That said, the vocabulary is initially presented in a completely disconnected and random way (dynamic immersive method), out of any obvious context: "jump" "car" "cat" "horse" "they jump" "she runs" "the boy is next to the car", etc and continues to build the grammar in that way. But it doesn't all get connected until after a lot of time spent with the software. And in my experience I have not had a single student stay with the software long enough to get to that point. That said, the software is highly visual, very leisurely and stress-free. It really is fun to use. But it is maybe too many hours (read: weeks) of fun for a generation that expects results much more quickly than that. That is not a criticism, but an observation. One other brief comment on our particular use - we do not use Rosetta Stone in the official Emory language curriculum at all. I purchased it for those students interested in self-study who were not planning on enrolling in that language, or who were interested in a language not currently offered at Emory. I hope these observations are helpful, Jose ------------------------- Jose C. Rodriguez Director of Technology: Emory College Language Center office: 404.727.9351 cell: 404.414.3674 fax: 404.727.2257 http://languagecenter.emory.edu/ Emory University 540 Asbury Circle Atlanta, GA 30322 ________________________________________ From: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of LLTI-Editor [[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 2:20 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: #8854 Rosetta Stone / Pimsleur Hi all, Our lab invested in the Pimsleur audio books for many languages before I started my position. We would now like to buy some stand alone programs for ESL. I don't think that I could personally use the Pimsleur because I am a visual learner. I'm considering RosettaStone as an alternative. I would like to get a demo of RosettaStone before we buy it, but the sales people haven't contacted me yet. (The brief demo on their web site isn't enough for me.) Also, one of my coworkers told me that my predecessor was interested in RosettaStone, but he didn't buy it because they wanted him to buy more than one copy per language. If you're using RosettaStone, can you please tell me how you and your patrons like it? Also, can you tell me how you are delivering it to the students (e.g., you have one copy that you check out, you have the Internet service, etc.) Finally, if you have experience with both Pimsleur and RosettaStone, can you help me to compare them? I understand that Pimsleur is audio only and RosettaStone is a complete package, but I'm wondering if the Pimsleur helps people gain conversational fluency faster - is better with helping with pronunciation, etc. Since I'm considering something for international students, these would of course be people who have some level of fluency already and just need to build on their existing skills. Thank you! Tina Tina Deveny Oestreich Language Learning Manager The Freedman Center in Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University 11055 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106 (216) 368-5283 This e-mail message (including any attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message (including any attachments) is strictly prohibited. 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