Thank you, Professor, for sharing your opinion on the internet and online language learning. Our company Brainscape is an e-learning startup and languages is one of the many subjects that we help people learn using online flashcards. As this video is nearly three years old, I would be interested in knowing how your opinion on the subject has changed, if at all, since then. Check out our videos if you can and once again, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@theEdTechInsider You are very welcome. Please send me a link to the videos on your site you think I might be most interested in and I will be sure to watch them.
@ProfASAr I have posted a video reply to this video that is an interview with Brainscape's founder that explains more clearly what Brainscape is and how it works. We have other videos on our youtube channel about a wide range of topics. Thank you for the reply!
hello, prof. arguelles. Your acaemic achievements and goal are truly inspiring, but I 'm just curios about something. I didn't see japanese or chnise in the list of languages that you speak in your website. Are any of these two languages in your list for the future? Again, thank you.
hello, prof. arguelles. Your acaemic achievements and goal are truly inspiring, but I 'm just curios about something. I didn't see japanese or chnise in the list of languages that you speak in your website. Are any of these two languages in your list for the future? Again, thank you.
What upsets me is that people have no idea about how languages are learned, so they tend to listen to the best advertisement. The Rosetta Stone is advertised as being the best way of learning a foreign language, and we know that the product is not sufficient for learning a language fluently. This company has a lot of money to advertise, and it gets the word out; however, we must stress the importance of all aspects of learning, including HARD WORK! Not everything is fun.
For five levels of Rosetta Stone, 699.99 is very steep. In Los Angeles, where I live, the public library system has about 5 or 6 languages that you can learn for free. Wikibooks also has some material for free. Merci Professeur
I think that the internet is the language learners best resource! I have learned so much from the internet in my languages. I do like the feeling of having a book in my hands though. I like the colloquial series and teach yourself series.
I do not like rosetta stone, its a waste of money.
For all of you commenting about rosetta stone, let me tell you how it really is, since i own it for two different languages. Rosetta stone works very well and is very effective. Although it will not make you fluent. It stops too early and doesn't teach near enough to become fluent. But from what it DOES teach, it does a very good job doing it. I would recommend it very well.
I agree about rosetta stone being garbage. It's based on the idea of learning like children do so you can retain the information. The problem is that the program implies that children learn visually & Auditory which is false. Babies & young kids' brains are sponges that take in EVERYTHING "visual, tactile, auditory and even the 6th sense of Energy. The adult can no longer do this to that extent. Fluenz is a much better program with much better reviews than Rosetta. I tried them both.
Google Books FTW! If you're an aspiring linguist, you might also probably want to safecopy your favourite online stuff found on a GeoCities site. GeoCities will be closing all their free websites in October 2009.
The computerized programs by Fluenz have been a godsend for me. As someone with a very short attention span a multi-dimensional approach is the most effective and keeps my attention. The variety of different activities both help me recall the material and keep boredom at bay. The downside: only 4 languages are currently offered and levels 3+4 have yet to come out (although they are working on them) so now that I have a renewed interest in languages I need other methods for other languages.
I've heard students of mine speak highly of Rosetta Stone and have myself written brief reviews on it. As Prof. Arguelles mentions, it's suitability depends upon how the individual learner responds to it. Personally, I commend it as a CALL (computer-aided language learning) item which strongly interlinks an audio component, allowing linguistic proficiency to be developed, with abundant and well-tailored visual imagery available, to represent word categories, e.g. nouns, verbs.
Internet usage and online tools require teacher creativity to make them effective . Youtube is such an example. Webcams enable" virtual classrooms" where people from all over the world can interact in real time. It does not, by any means, replace "in the flesh" interaction but it does provide a tool to learn and practice a new language with native speakers. Plane tickets are expensive. Creativity is needed for profitable technology use in any kind of learning. "Computers" don't teach.
Quite right. The strengths of any material depend on their linguistic content, the focus of the strategy / methodology, and how any learner interacts with them. Of course, CALL exercises come in many forms (audio CDs, pronunciation recognition graphs, self-check grammar exercises, etc), and some will evidently yield better results than others. My company, Lingua Genesis, has offered long-distance MSN and Skype tuition since 2004 - arguably one of the most beneficial methods I have used.
I do agree with you on many points. A lot of these language learning sites mostly cover very basic language and limited grammar. I learn best from a good selection of books/textbooks. However, internet is good for interaction (say with natives on skype etc) for listening and oral development.
It's interesting that you mention Skype (see my other comment). I often find, as a means of tuition, that it allows for swift interaction on a one-to-one and small group basis, whereby realistic forms of language can be practised, and errors can be rectified, both on the basis of written mistakes and errors in oral sentence construction. There is also an opportunity to closely integrate the spoken language with its written forms and exploit a wide range of learning exercises in the process.
ProfASAr, it is indeed amazing how online courses can be dependent on the learner. I did try Rosetta Stone (trial version) and Before You Know It. I made some initial progress but my progress had taken off in June 2008 when I stumbled upon LingQ after watching a few videos from Steve's youtube channel.
It's an extremely valid comment. We all respond to means of language learning in a variety of different ways, regardless of how effective the creator of any given exercise deems it to be. You mention LingQ and while I am acquainted with its founder, Steve Kaufmann who, from the age of 62, is fluent in ten languages, how you have found the site. Also, have you tried Michel Thomas? I have done a review of this methodology here on YouTube.
I can't agree with you enough in your questioning the implied "intrinsic" value of using computers. This is one reason I have very little respect for educators in general. I remember when I was in highschool they bragged on and on how they had gotten funding to "put a computer in every classroom". By time I left the school the "new" computers had all gathered dust and were obsolete to worthlessness and never once were used to facilitate any sort of learning.
Surprising. I can only think of one reason, even though it does not justify the reality. That is that there are still many people resorting to older and more traditional means of learning, such as textbooks, pen and paper, OHPs, white boards, and more recently, the Smart Board. It's as if giving thought to a brand new computer suite is a way of keeping up with modern times, yet, with not everyone being fully appreciative of their versatility as learning mechanisms, they are half-abandoned.
I can't agree with you enough in your questioning the implied "intrinsic" value of using computers. This is one reason I have very little respect for educators in general. I remember when I was in highschool they bragged on and on how they had gotten funding to "put a computer in every classroom". By time I left the school the "new" computers had all gathered dust and were obsolete to worthlessness and never once were used to facilitate any sort of learning.
I'd like to point out that most people, especially younger folks, prefer computer based methods of learning because it's almost always cheaper (especially since most Rosetta Stone lessons along with Pemsleur, Michel Tomas, etc are able to be easily pirated). We have too much curiosity and not enough money, and so it goes.
Thank you for mentioning LingQ in your informative series on languages.
I believe that our brains are capable of figuring out new languages, with enough input and a little help and encouragement. The content needs to be enjoyable and meaningful. The help can include explanations that serve to increase alertness and attentiveness.
The community aspect of the web can be as important as the learning methodology.
Can we chat on skype some time? How can I reach you?
Unrelated question: Currently studying two difficult languages in what I consider a responsible fashion, I nevertheless find myself wanting to take on a relatively easier (read: Romance)one because the faster progress will naturally be encouraging. Is this advisable or a poor reason to start a new language?
As long as you are indeed studying in a responsible fashion such that acquisition of another language does not hinder the progress you are making in the two exotic and difficult ones you have underway, then beginning the study of a third, easier, Romance one so that you can feel the motivational benefit of rapid progress is an excellent idea!
I have found that undertaking a third language often improves my abilities in languages that I already speak. The problem is time, and the tendency to want to study one language with enough intensity to really progress. Good luck. I agree with Alex on motivation, the most important ingredient for success.
It's encouraging to see two masters in conversation. I will one day be where you two are. I just wanted to mention Livemocha and ask whether or not you know of it and what you think. Muchas gracias.
I was surprised that there was no mention of SRS (Spaced Repetition Software) such as Anki or iKnow.jp (formally Smart.fm).
I believe SRS to be tremendously beneficial when attempting to build a larger vocabulary.
Any thoughts?
chipnailer 5 months ago
@chipnailer it's because prof.alexander himself doesnt do vocab drills. he learns words by reading books.
noshadow31 4 months ago
Thank you, Professor, for sharing your opinion on the internet and online language learning. Our company Brainscape is an e-learning startup and languages is one of the many subjects that we help people learn using online flashcards. As this video is nearly three years old, I would be interested in knowing how your opinion on the subject has changed, if at all, since then. Check out our videos if you can and once again, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
theEdTechInsider 7 months ago
@theEdTechInsider You are very welcome. Please send me a link to the videos on your site you think I might be most interested in and I will be sure to watch them.
ProfASAr 7 months ago
@ProfASAr I have posted a video reply to this video that is an interview with Brainscape's founder that explains more clearly what Brainscape is and how it works. We have other videos on our youtube channel about a wide range of topics. Thank you for the reply!
theEdTechInsider 7 months ago
hello, prof. arguelles. Your acaemic achievements and goal are truly inspiring, but I 'm just curios about something. I didn't see japanese or chnise in the list of languages that you speak in your website. Are any of these two languages in your list for the future? Again, thank you.
TutorialesBilingues 1 year ago
hello, prof. arguelles. Your acaemic achievements and goal are truly inspiring, but I 'm just curios about something. I didn't see japanese or chnise in the list of languages that you speak in your website. Are any of these two languages in your list for the future? Again, thank you.
TutorialesBilingues 1 year ago
I have done some shadowing while riding my bike before I new that if was a method..
listening to my MP3 player doing french pod recordings.
Can you start doing Shadowing on a language you have a Beginner-intermediate level
already ???? Thanks for any feedback.
merci beaucoup.
VladMaster99 1 year ago
Posible benifits to CBL
1.Audio..2.Visual..3.and written dialog at the same.
Vocab with lists with
1.Audio..2.Visual..3.and written word presented at the same time.
Also computer should be able to keep track of which words you know
,and do not know. That is to change frequence of flashing words you do not know more
often. I have also seen a IPod app with this sort of arrangement.
If it was any good I would go out and purchase an IPOD just for this sort of program
VladMaster99 1 year ago
Thanks for these excelent write ups on various books.
I will check what you have to say before I buy another Language tape.
The last one I bought was Instant Recall French.
from Mc Graw Hill . It was a 6-hour MP3 Audio program.
I found that I knew quite alot of the words on the CD.
But I found the ladys accent not very french sounding.
Has any one else bought this?
VladMaster99 1 year ago
I have done some shadowing while riding my bike before I new that if was a method..
listening to my MP3 player doing french pod recordings.
Can you start doing Shadowing on a language you have a Beginner-intermediate level
already ???? Thanks for any feedback.
merci beaucoup.
VladMaster99 1 year ago
Posible benifits to CBL
1.Audio..2.Visual..3.and written dialog at the same.
Vocab with lists with
1.Audio..2.Visual..3.and written word presented at the same time.
Also computer should be able to keep track of which words you know
,and do not know. That is to change frequence of flashing words you do not know more often. I have also seen a IPod app with this sort of arrangement.
If it was any good I would go out and purchase an IPOD just for this sort of program
VladMaster99 1 year ago
Thanks for these excelent write ups on various books.
I will check what you have to say before I buy another Language tape.
The last one I bought was Instant Recall French.
from Mc Graw Hill . It was a 6-hour MP3 Audio program.
I found that I knew quite alot of the words on the CD.
But I found the ladys accent not very french sounding.
Has any one else bought this?
VladMaster99 1 year ago
What do you think of LiveMocha? I'm currently using it to learn Finnish because I haven't been able to find a textbook at any of my local bookstores.
individiendum 1 year ago
What upsets me is that people have no idea about how languages are learned, so they tend to listen to the best advertisement. The Rosetta Stone is advertised as being the best way of learning a foreign language, and we know that the product is not sufficient for learning a language fluently. This company has a lot of money to advertise, and it gets the word out; however, we must stress the importance of all aspects of learning, including HARD WORK! Not everything is fun.
robertogan 1 year ago
For five levels of Rosetta Stone, 699.99 is very steep. In Los Angeles, where I live, the public library system has about 5 or 6 languages that you can learn for free. Wikibooks also has some material for free. Merci Professeur
jceja24 1 year ago
I think that the internet is the language learners best resource! I have learned so much from the internet in my languages. I do like the feeling of having a book in my hands though. I like the colloquial series and teach yourself series.
I do not like rosetta stone, its a waste of money.
Codylangaugesblog 1 year ago
For all of you commenting about rosetta stone, let me tell you how it really is, since i own it for two different languages. Rosetta stone works very well and is very effective. Although it will not make you fluent. It stops too early and doesn't teach near enough to become fluent. But from what it DOES teach, it does a very good job doing it. I would recommend it very well.
ridthedelusional 2 years ago
IMO, Rosetta Stone is garbage.
Pimsleur + Anki w/ sound (ripped from Pimsleur) gets my vote.
I wouldn't mind getting my hands on the Linguaphone Pro series (the $550.00 U.S. one with the books) as well.
Hoopermazing 2 years ago
no. you're wrong. rosetta stone is great. have you even tried it?
swizzle2012 2 years ago
I agree about rosetta stone being garbage. It's based on the idea of learning like children do so you can retain the information. The problem is that the program implies that children learn visually & Auditory which is false. Babies & young kids' brains are sponges that take in EVERYTHING "visual, tactile, auditory and even the 6th sense of Energy. The adult can no longer do this to that extent. Fluenz is a much better program with much better reviews than Rosetta. I tried them both.
lauraleesmithagain 2 years ago
So Dr. Arguelles your are Mexican and German?
YshuaShmaMoshiach 2 years ago
LOL I've noticed books in Russian on your shelf :P
MelancholiaImpact 2 years ago
Google Books FTW! If you're an aspiring linguist, you might also probably want to safecopy your favourite online stuff found on a GeoCities site. GeoCities will be closing all their free websites in October 2009.
TheDarkPan 2 years ago 2
The computerized programs by Fluenz have been a godsend for me. As someone with a very short attention span a multi-dimensional approach is the most effective and keeps my attention. The variety of different activities both help me recall the material and keep boredom at bay. The downside: only 4 languages are currently offered and levels 3+4 have yet to come out (although they are working on them) so now that I have a renewed interest in languages I need other methods for other languages.
TotallyChaotic1 2 years ago
have you ever used rosetta stone?
thaiguysabu 3 years ago
Thaiguysbu,
I've heard students of mine speak highly of Rosetta Stone and have myself written brief reviews on it. As Prof. Arguelles mentions, it's suitability depends upon how the individual learner responds to it. Personally, I commend it as a CALL (computer-aided language learning) item which strongly interlinks an audio component, allowing linguistic proficiency to be developed, with abundant and well-tailored visual imagery available, to represent word categories, e.g. nouns, verbs.
tartansoxdundas 3 years ago
Internet usage and online tools require teacher creativity to make them effective . Youtube is such an example. Webcams enable" virtual classrooms" where people from all over the world can interact in real time. It does not, by any means, replace "in the flesh" interaction but it does provide a tool to learn and practice a new language with native speakers. Plane tickets are expensive. Creativity is needed for profitable technology use in any kind of learning. "Computers" don't teach.
be2lewis 3 years ago
Quite right. The strengths of any material depend on their linguistic content, the focus of the strategy / methodology, and how any learner interacts with them. Of course, CALL exercises come in many forms (audio CDs, pronunciation recognition graphs, self-check grammar exercises, etc), and some will evidently yield better results than others. My company, Lingua Genesis, has offered long-distance MSN and Skype tuition since 2004 - arguably one of the most beneficial methods I have used.
tartansoxdundas 3 years ago
To echo zocurtis, I've enjoyed Livemocha quite a bit. It helps. Also great for meeting natives.
jonmahoney04 3 years ago
I do agree with you on many points. A lot of these language learning sites mostly cover very basic language and limited grammar. I learn best from a good selection of books/textbooks. However, internet is good for interaction (say with natives on skype etc) for listening and oral development.
MashaGu 3 years ago
It's interesting that you mention Skype (see my other comment). I often find, as a means of tuition, that it allows for swift interaction on a one-to-one and small group basis, whereby realistic forms of language can be practised, and errors can be rectified, both on the basis of written mistakes and errors in oral sentence construction. There is also an opportunity to closely integrate the spoken language with its written forms and exploit a wide range of learning exercises in the process.
tartansoxdundas 3 years ago
O hiphop tuga nao adormeceu, simplesmente nao é divulgado, na 'rua' continua evoluir e a existir novos sons.
marisabellas 3 years ago
ProfASAr, it is indeed amazing how online courses can be dependent on the learner. I did try Rosetta Stone (trial version) and Before You Know It. I made some initial progress but my progress had taken off in June 2008 when I stumbled upon LingQ after watching a few videos from Steve's youtube channel.
rsherfan 3 years ago
It's an extremely valid comment. We all respond to means of language learning in a variety of different ways, regardless of how effective the creator of any given exercise deems it to be. You mention LingQ and while I am acquainted with its founder, Steve Kaufmann who, from the age of 62, is fluent in ten languages, how you have found the site. Also, have you tried Michel Thomas? I have done a review of this methodology here on YouTube.
tartansoxdundas 3 years ago
I can't agree with you enough in your questioning the implied "intrinsic" value of using computers. This is one reason I have very little respect for educators in general. I remember when I was in highschool they bragged on and on how they had gotten funding to "put a computer in every classroom". By time I left the school the "new" computers had all gathered dust and were obsolete to worthlessness and never once were used to facilitate any sort of learning.
parasitius 3 years ago
Surprising. I can only think of one reason, even though it does not justify the reality. That is that there are still many people resorting to older and more traditional means of learning, such as textbooks, pen and paper, OHPs, white boards, and more recently, the Smart Board. It's as if giving thought to a brand new computer suite is a way of keeping up with modern times, yet, with not everyone being fully appreciative of their versatility as learning mechanisms, they are half-abandoned.
tartansoxdundas 3 years ago
I can't agree with you enough in your questioning the implied "intrinsic" value of using computers. This is one reason I have very little respect for educators in general. I remember when I was in highschool they bragged on and on how they had gotten funding to "put a computer in every classroom". By time I left the school the "new" computers had all gathered dust and were obsolete to worthlessness and never once were used to facilitate any sort of learning.
parasitius 3 years ago
Professor Arguelles,
Thank you so much for your very informative videos! Looking forward to seeing more in the future.
blankblackoutvacant 3 years ago
Note that the internet is a good source of audio methods. You can download podcasts, for example. Google "Latinum".
~
inkstersco 3 years ago
I'd like to point out that most people, especially younger folks, prefer computer based methods of learning because it's almost always cheaper (especially since most Rosetta Stone lessons along with Pemsleur, Michel Tomas, etc are able to be easily pirated). We have too much curiosity and not enough money, and so it goes.
ViaSoleri 3 years ago
Thank you for mentioning LingQ.
I would love to have a chat with you some time. How do I get in touch with you?
lingosteve 3 years ago
Professor Arguelles,
Thank you for mentioning LingQ in your informative series on languages.
I believe that our brains are capable of figuring out new languages, with enough input and a little help and encouragement. The content needs to be enjoyable and meaningful. The help can include explanations that serve to increase alertness and attentiveness.
The community aspect of the web can be as important as the learning methodology.
Can we chat on skype some time? How can I reach you?
lingosteve 3 years ago 6
I don't have a skype set up, but if you write to me via the "contact" page on my website, we can get in touch that way.
ProfASAr 3 years ago
Thank you so much for the videos!
Unrelated question: Currently studying two difficult languages in what I consider a responsible fashion, I nevertheless find myself wanting to take on a relatively easier (read: Romance)one because the faster progress will naturally be encouraging. Is this advisable or a poor reason to start a new language?
brandoscostumes 3 years ago
As long as you are indeed studying in a responsible fashion such that acquisition of another language does not hinder the progress you are making in the two exotic and difficult ones you have underway, then beginning the study of a third, easier, Romance one so that you can feel the motivational benefit of rapid progress is an excellent idea!
ProfASAr 3 years ago
I have found that undertaking a third language often improves my abilities in languages that I already speak. The problem is time, and the tendency to want to study one language with enough intensity to really progress. Good luck. I agree with Alex on motivation, the most important ingredient for success.
lingosteve 3 years ago 3
It's encouraging to see two masters in conversation. I will one day be where you two are. I just wanted to mention Livemocha and ask whether or not you know of it and what you think. Muchas gracias.
zocurtis 3 years ago 2