Spanish Your Way 2.0 requires an IBM‐compatible computer with a 486DX/33 or higher microprocessor; 13 MB of free hard disk space for the preferred installation option and 1.5 MB of hard disk space for the “minimum installation” option; Microsoft Windows 3.1 or Windows 95; 8 MB of RAM; CD‐ROM drive; sound card; SVGA card and monitor (capable of 640x480 resolution with 256 colors); a Microsoft‐compatible mouse; external speakers; and microphone. The installation of Spanish Your Way can be done both on Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. The process is straightforward and easy. Some technical skills are required in order to set up and calibrate the input of the microphone. The software comes with an offer for online access through EarthLink Total Access. An item in the menu will offer Online Language Access. At the next step, it will ask if you are already connected or if you want to obtain access through EarthLink. It will then install the access software in the C:\Eartlink subdirectory and try to activate your modem to dial‐in to EarthLink’s service.
The program is creatively designed for beginning to intermediate language learners, making their learning experience more flexible, controllable, and enjoyable. The program is complete and comprehensive. It covers a vast area of learning activities like conversation, grammar, vocabulary, dictation, games, puzzles, etc. Language learners have full control over their learning process. The unique Automatic Speech Recognition technology allows the user to speak through a microphone and take an active part in game and conversation activities. The program then checks the user’s pronunciation and response.
One can also select a response by a mouse click. The user selects the direction of conversation by selecting one of the four appropriate responses, making the learning process realistic and interesting. Users improve their conversation ability by comparing their voice to the native speaker’s voice by record/playback. The program appears to be comprehensive; and it offers the option to update exercises and drills from the publisher’s Web site.
The most interesting feature in this program is the voice management engine that allows users to record and play their voice and compare it to a preset model. Recording takes place in conversations generated by the computer. The effect is an interaction close to a real life situation.
The intended audience includes students of Spanish at the beginning and intermediate levels; and Spanish Your Way 2.0 is suitable for that audience. The software makes good use of cartoons and recordings with the ability to switch between gender, age groups, and speed of the voice (normal and slow). But perhaps the use of videos would have contributed to the effectiveness of the software.
The software provides a glossary with the ability to search by Spanish words or by English translation. It also provides for an index of terms where the terms are linked to relevant section of the software itself. There is consistency in the use of function keys; and the instructions are straightforward and simple. A help screen appears at the beginning of each activity. For more detailed help, one can go to the online user’s manual from the help screen. The links to Internet sites are appropriate and well maintained. They provide customer service, online help, technical support, and additional information about the product.
The documentation provided includes a user guide and online help. The publisher’s Web site provides additional reference material, such as technical support, help desk and customer service, a mailing list, a FAQ, and contact information, including email and toll free telephone numbers. The support material is clear and easy to understand.
Learners at the lower level, with no classroom opportunity and a busy schedule would benefit the most from this product. Spanish Your Way 2.0 includes a very interesting feature in the voice interaction management engine that combines audio and graphic representation of voice.
I really appreciate the effort to integrate online information distribution with CD‐ROM software distribution. Spanish Your Way 2.0 is very easy to use. It offers clear directions at every step, especially with a help screen that appears at the start of every new activity. I think that, given the size of the audience addressed by this software, the $69.95 price for online purchase is appropriate and may foster adoption by a large number of customers. The software is definitely geared toward individual use, not toward LAN managed access. The CD is very slow; and response time seems to interfere negatively on interaction. It provides for useful activity support outside the classroom; and it could very well be part of the reference material of a library with multimedia equipment.
