Pasos vivos can be installed on both PC and MAC. System requirements for Macintosh are: 68030 processor or better; system 7.01 or later; 640 x 480, 256‐color monitor; minimum 5 MB available RAM; 300Kbps multimedia‐compliant CD‐ROM drive; and a hard drive. System requirement for Windows are: 80486 processor 66MHz‐based computer or better, running DOS 5.0 or later, Windows 3.1 or later, or Windows 95; minimum 8MB RAM for the Windows 3.1 configuration or 16MB RAM for the Windows 95 configuration, 640 x 480 256‐color monitor; SoundBlaster‐compatible audio board with speakers; 300Kbps multimedia‐compliant CD‐ROM drive; and a hard drive. Installation instructions are clear and easy to follow, requiring no particular technical skills or experience. Once the CD is installed, an audio guide will be present at every step of the program.
Pasos vivos is a CD‐ROM for beginning learners of the Spanish language. It is divided into two levels, each supplied with a teacher’s package for instructors and a CD‐ROM package for users. The teacher’s package contains the teacher’s guide, in addition to the user’s guide and a CD‐ROM. This is a very creatively designed program with a lot of interaction and flexibility in all its activities.
The program has 14 chapters. Each deals with a topic of daily life. Every section of the program starts with a well instructed guide recorded in English. An efficient on‐line guide is also provided. This program has a variety of very interesting activities, designed to provide writing, listening and speaking practice in an innovative and flexible way. It allows for a lot of creativity and individuality on the part of the language learner, giving him or her a personalized learning experience.
Each chapter deals with three basic settings: the central office, the library, and the play room. Each supports different activities. There are listening, writing, reading comprehension activities on the same topic of the current chapter. Vocabulary and grammar application exercises occur through games between two learners. These games can be adjusted to different speeds; and they require concentration and critical thinking.
A special feature of this program is the video and slide presentation section. Video clips and slides are presented in random order; and the student is asked to arrange them in any appropriate order after listening to the recording. The student can then view the completed video by using the presentation option. Text can be viewed when the movie is displayed. This activity becomes very creative and personal by allowing the user to write his or her own script and record it. This new recording replaces the original one at the presentation.
The user can compare his or her own pronunciation with that of the native speaker by repeating the original text. All one’s work can be saved. The teacher can add personalized tests in addition to the ones given in the program. Through maps, documents, and music, the program presents some cultural aspects of Spanish speaking countries. A Spanish‐English and English‐Spanish dictionary allows Boolean searches and truncation. A word processor also comes in the program, allowing composition and some graphic display.
The help section is well instructed. The audio guide in every section of the program is also very useful. The program allows a high degree of personalization in the study approach, making the learning experience interesting and effective. The motion pictures are well prepared; and study materials are well chosen.
There is toll free customer support at 1‐800‐552‐2259 and technical support at 1‐800‐882‐3030. Both services are efficient and well managed. There is also a Web site at http://www.scottforesman.com with generic information.
Pasos vivos is a very good program with a lot of interesting characteristics. It allows creative manipulation on the learner’s side. It requires critical thinking and a wide application of language skills. It can be used both in and outside the classroom; and it may be useful in language libraries. The price is affordable; and quantity discounts are available. A major drawback is that the program is not networkable. This program is of good quality compared to other products and is recommended.
