Software Review
Some thoughts about the software I have reviewed so far:
My English Lab: Azar
Azar-Hagen Grammar Series
Author(s): Betty Schrampfer Azar, Stacy A. Hagen
Basic English Grammar, Fourth Edition
Fundamentals of English Grammar, Fourth Edition
Understanding & Using English Grammar, Fourth Edition
My English Lab is the new online component of the Azar-Hagen grammar
series. It includes activities for the Basic
English Grammar, Fundamentals of English Grammar, and Understanding and Using English Grammar.
This program uses grammar as the main component to review the four language
skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The program includes more
than 100 hours of videos, interactive grammar practice with immediate feedback,
and grammar charts.
The student access code for My English Lab comes with each book purchased
and is valid for 21 months from the day the students activate their product.
Project Success
Intro Level: Sarah Lynn
Level 1: Betsy Lindeman Wong and MaryAnn Cunningham Florez
Level 2: Howard Pomann and June
Pomann
Level 3: Nancy Blodgett Matsunaga
and Sheena M. Macpherson
Level 4: Barry Bakin, Robyn
Brinks Lockwood and Jenni Currie Santamaria
Level 5: Steve Gwynne, Ingrid Greenberg,
and Jennifer Bixby
Series consultants: Susan Gaer and Sarah
Lynn
This software has 6 levels of instructions from Intro to Level 5. Project Success promotes the four
language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through real-life
situation videos. There are more than 150 short videos that focus on workplace
skills and 21st century skills challenges. The lessons discuss
challenges at work, at school, with family, and friends. Each lesson offers
integrated language instruction and also provides great speaking practice for
the students. Project Success offers a convenient
placement test to place the students into the appropriate program. The access
code for the students is valid for 12 months from when the activation code is
initiated.
Rosetta Stone
We have used the old version of this program in the lab for more than 10 years
and the students have loved it, but recently, we have had many issues with screen
resolution for the old version. Since students have asked for the new version I
gave it a try and I like what I have seen so far. The new version includes many
interactive games, lessons, activities, and even a chat room to practice
English! Another aspect I liked about this version is that students can see
their progress as soon as they enter the program; therefore, we can eliminate
the paper version of the grading tracker. This feature can help them keep on
task and to complete the modules in a timely and organized manner.
Side by Side
Side by Side Plus with eText
Until last semester, we had the old version of Side by Side installed in
the lab and the students loved it; however, because the program was so old, it
kept crashing when the students tried to use it. Therefore, we decided to
remove it.
I haven’t fully reviewed the new version, yet… so more to come later.
Top Notch
Top Notch Fundamentals: Joan Saslow and Allen Ascher
Top Notch 1: Joan Saslow and Allen Ascher
Top Notch 2: Joan Saslow and Allen Ascher
Top Notch 3: Joan Saslow and Allen Ascher
These books included lessons for four levels of instruction and they use
My English Lab to support the online component. The lessons include video,
grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The videos are engaging and
I’m sure the students will love the extra listening and speaking practice. Top
Notch offers a placement test to place the students into the appropriate
program.
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Eli : )