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Its the same! But, different. Leaving the world of CDs behind, Rosetta Stone Homeschool has taken the leap into the world of online subscription formats. As with every major format change, there are advantages and disadvantages. You will probably like the changes which provide more mobility and more flexibility (unless you do not have access to high speed internet or do not wish to enter the internet world). All the aspects of the Rosetta Stone approach to language acquisition that we've come to love and expect are there. Its just packaged differently.
So, what is different? First of all, there are only three subscription-based products. You purchase a subscription then you choose one language as part of the activation process. There are 24 languages available and a subscription purchase lets you choose any one of the 24. The subscription also gives you access to ALL levels of instruction available in that language. All languages have at least three levels and some have five levels. Because all content is online, you can access it from a computer, laptop, or mobile device and you can access it from anywhere that you have a fast internet connection. You can even download lessons (with Audio Companion) to use when the internet is not available.
So, whats the same? The dynamic immersion instructional methodology, the voice recognition software, and the student tracking abilities. In other words, all the good stuff that has made Rosetta Stone distinctive and a favorite with homeschoolers. And there is still a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee if you are not satisfied with the program (please note that 30 days starts from date of purchase, and no returns will be accepted after 30 days). To get a sense of the program, check out the video demo found on our website.
Rosetta Stones "Dynamic Immersion" methodology combines multimedia technology with a total immersion approach utilizing four aspects images, intuition, interactivity, and instruction. Real-life images are coupled with words or phrases, both spoken and written. There is constant interaction with the program, making selections which are confirmed if correct. Understanding of the language is built through spoken responses to real-life simulations utilizing TruAccent speech-recognition technology which listens, analyzes, and corrects the student response. [Headset with microphone is needed but not included.]
Core Lessons cover: A. Listening & Reading combined; B. Listening only, C. Reading only, D. Speaking, and E. Writing. There are Focused Activities that concentrate on language skills vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, reading, speaking, listening, writing and Adaptive Recall which are review sequences. While the general content and methodology is similar between the various Rosetta Stone versions, the Homeschool version is unique in giving parents the ability to plan and track the students progress through the lessons and to print data reports.
Rosetta Stone Levels (in any language) cover the following material:
Level 1 Build a Foundation. Fundamental vocabulary, essential language structure, basic conversational skills including greetings and introductions. Includes colors, adjectives, numbers, prepositions, definite and indefinite articles, singular and plural nouns, family relations, the five senses and time of day.
Level 2 Navigate Your Surroundings. Builds on vocabulary and essential language structure. Giving/getting directions, using transportation, telling time, dining out, and enjoying basic social interactions. Includes verb tenses, adverbs, formal imperatives, school subjects, months, and emotions.
Level 3 Connect with the World. Builds on language fundamentals and conversational skills. Learn to share ideas and opinions, express your feelings and talk about everyday life, your interests, your work, subjective, present perfect, weights, and measurements.
Level 4 Deepen Your Understanding. Expands on what you learned in Levels 1, 2, and 3. Negotiate complex situations with confidence. Develop conversational skills to navigate the workplace, care for your health, arrange repairs, and move abroad.
Level 5 Develop Your Command of the Language. Refine crucial communication skills and make full use of everything you've learned in Levels 1-4. Discuss entertainment and culture, government and the marketplace, and celebrate language-learning success.
The following languages are available (with number of levels in parenthesis): Arabic (3), Chinese (Mandarin) (3), Dutch (3), English (American) (5), English (British) (5), Filipino (Tagalog) (3), French (5), German (5), Greek (3), Hebrew (3), Hindi (3), Irish (3), Italian (5), Japanese (3), Korean (3), Persian (Farsi) (3), Polish (3), Portuguese (Brazil) (3), Russian (3), Spanish (Latin American) (5 Workbooks for Levels 1-3), Spanish (Spain) (5), Swedish (3), Turkish (3), and Vietnamese (3).
System Requirements:
Windows 7, 8, 10 or higher
Mac (Intel based only) Maverick (OS X 10.9) or higher
Internet Explorer 11, Chrome 50, Firefox 46, Safari 9.1, Edge 13 or greater
Latest version of Adobe Flash Player
Computer Hardware Requirements:
Windows: 2.33 GHz or faster x86-compatible processor OR Intel Atom 1.6GHz or faster processor for netbooks
Mac: Intel Core Duo 1.33GHz or faster processor
1 GB of RAM or higher
1024 x 768 display resolution
High-Speed Internet connection (at least 768bps)
Please note that subscription term begins when you activate the course. You have six months from the date of purchase to activate the subscription, and the subscription term starts from the date activated. Each subscription can only be attached to one email address; one subscription cannot have multiple email addresses per user.
In terms of high school credit equivalency (as before) Rosetta Stone is not "accredited" because it is not a school, but each level of the Homeschool program has a "Full Year Curriculum" lesson plan. If you follow that lesson plan, each level will be a 36 week program if youre not using the supplemental (suggestions in teacher materials) materials, or 45 weeks if you are (equivalent to 1 school year). Not all schools or boards will accept RS as credit, so checking to ensure it will be accepted is recommended.
While its a bit sad to say "good-bye" to Rosetta Stones old standby CD-based program, its easy to see the advantages and necessity of increased mobility. Thankfully, favorite features have been retained and the program remains a strong option for high school foreign language. As before, we encourage the use of a grammar workbook to complement the strong conversational aspect of the program. ~ Janice