We've personally discovered the potential of computer- based language learning tools when traveling and working abroad. Having worked on several CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning) projects during our studies, we've gained lots of insights into the technology aspects of it. But it has also shown us which teaching techniques still work best. We adapted early to the trend of technical-based training and see lots of benefits in it. After finishing our studies, we decided to travel the world, and started to look into ways to learn a language while on the road.
Language learning software was state-of-the-art back in the days. However, over the last couple of years, web-based learning has seen a dramatic rise in popularity, and still does. Mobile learning became much more convenient and sought after. No wonder; the International Telecoms Union predicts that web-enabled mobile subscriptions will pass 74 per 100 inhabitants in 2024. With all these changes going on and my high spirit for the technological future of online-based training, we've decided to evaluate those programs on my own. We hope you find it useful. Thank you so much for visiting!
The reviews on this site are based on my own opinions. The rankings are based on a voting system that relies on user interaction. You can vote for your favorite course using the small red and green arrow-like thumbs, clearly visible when you look at the language-specific course comparisons, or when you scroll down the ratings summary table (by clicking the link above this box).
You can use the links in the left-hand side menu to view language course reviews and comparisons, or the ratings summary.
The user ratings and reviews on this site will help you to choose a program that works. Based on current user feedback, Rocket Languages seems to be one of the more popular ones on the market as of now. They do offer free online trial courses (shipped CD/DVD versions are available as an upgrade) and are a good choice in terms of entertainment value and pace. Pimsleur and Transparent are also well-liked contenders that appear to be in demand as well. All of them offer easy access to anyone with a home computer, tablet, or notebook. Of course there are alternatives from Rosetta Stone, Tell Me More, Living Language, Fluenz, and Berlitz, which I've compared with each other here on this site as well.
If you love to travel for leisure, online courses are particularly useful, as you may learn on the go with your notebook, tablet computer, iPhone, or iPad.