Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone
The Rosetta stone language learning system is language learning software that claims to help anyone learn a language. This tool immerges people into a language without the use of drills or translation. It does so by using images, texts, and sound, that in turn cause people to pick up a language naturally or intuitively. Rosetta Stone can be used seperately from the language classroom or in support of one. It could be helpful to those who want to learn a language quickly or act as a support to those who are in formal language classrooms.

One advantage of this software is that it does not require drills. This is an advantage because drills can be boring and often ineffective in language classrooms. Another advantage is that you can learn in the comfort of your on home. The risk of embarrasment that sometimes accompanies formal language classrooms is eliminated by this software.

One disadvantage to this software is that there is ample room for error and or confusion in the learning process. Because language instruction is learned completly intuitvely, mix ups in meaning are likely. This program also can not provide personal assistance if necessary. There is no real person behind the program with whom you can practice your speaking or communication skills. This is another huge disadvantage. Lastly the program can be rather expensive, although prices do vary.
For more information about the Rosseta Stone Language learning software see the links below.
http://www.rosettastone.com/personal/how-it-works

http://www.multilingualbooks.com/rosetta.html

I personally beleive that the program can be useful to language learning classrooms, but I would not use it as the primary source for language learning. Although I am sure there are a lot of beneficial ways this program can help those trying to learn a languge, it lacks the interaction and real communication that I believe is necessary in language learning. I think this program is better served by language students who want to practice at home or who are not going to have any interaction with the language they are learning for a long period of time.