ITALIAN COMMERCIAL PROGRAMS  

Dentro l'Italiano
Il corso multimediale utilizza una efficace combinazione di immagini, animazioni, musica e voci. L'approccio comunicativo è alla base della scelta del materiale linguistico, dei criteri didattici e di tutti gli esercizi. Le quattro abilità [comprensione orale e scritta, espressione orale e composizione] sono presente e insegnate come attività communicative [dialoghi, letture, annunci pubblicitari, lettere, ricette]. Gli utenti possno seguire un percorso strutturato o personalizzare il programma creando sequenze di lezioni particolari, adatte alle esigenze di ciascuno. Il corso, strutturato in tre livelli ["principiante e falsi principianti"; "base"; "intermedio"] è articolato in 3 Cd- Rom e suddiviso in 24 unità, ognuna delle quali comprende scenari con dialoghi da ascoltare o testi da leggere e ascoltare, a cui sono associati 2.500 esercizi di comprensione orale e esercizi scritti; ci sono 5.000 lemmi. All'interno dei testi, parole evidenziate rimandano a pagine con note grammaticali relative alla situazione presentata, mentre le frasi evidenziate sottolineano le espressioni utili alla comunicazione. L'utente può registare la propria voce e confrontarla con il modello. Grazie a un accordo tra Dida*El e l'Istituto di Linguistica Computazionale del CNR [Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche] di Pisa, il programma rende inoltre disponibile uno strumento indispensabile per il docente e per lo studente: il dizionario automatico della lingua italiana, che fornisce la generazione di tutte le forme flesse di un dato lemma della lingua, corredate dalla rispettiva classificazione grammaticale. Il Cd-Rom è completato da spiegazioni in lingua inglese, francese, tedesco, spagnolo e portoghese,  $305.00

Italiano di Base
Sviluppo delle capacità di analise e di sintesi per padrogeggiare le attività percettive che presiedono all'apprendimento della lettura e della scrittura di tipo prestanzionale [struttura delle lettere, delle sillabe, delle parole]. Sviluppo delle operazioni di simbolizzazione per accedere al significato dei segni linguistici nella lettura e nella scrittura [rapporto tra sinificante e significato nelle parole]. Sviluppo delle capacità di istituire relazioni tra termini linguistci allo scopo di comprendere e produrre enunciate.  Il corso, aticolato in 8 parti, ha la caratteristica fondamentale di "modellarsi" ai ritmi di apprendimento del bambino e di proporre di conseguenza nuovi esercizi "su misura". Il piccolo allievo si trova così sempre di fronte a difficoltà per lui superabili in quel momento e ad apprendere in un modo sempre accessibile. Questo comporta che non si senta mai frustrato, bensì stimolato a proseguire, come in un gioco che richiede sì uno sforzo costante, ma che è premiato da tante piccolo vittorie. I contenuti del corso, organizzati secondo precisi criteri didattice [il corso comprende circa 25.000 esercitazioni sviluppate lungo percorsi di progressiva complessità], sono guidati in un movimento logico da una serie di algoritmi altamente sofisticati, tali da genare percorsi di apprendemento indivdualizzati, in modo che il bambino possa procedere secondo i propri livelli prestazionali, i propri ritmi e le proprie modalità d'apprendimento.  4 moduli fondamentali [Cd-Rom n.1]  1. Lettere, sillabe, parole 2. Maiuscole, minuscole e significati 3. Dalla sillaba alla frase 4. La costruzione di frasi  4 Moduli di approfondimento [Cd-Rom n. 2]  5. Le forme delle lettere 6. La nascita della sillaba 7. Paroline e parolone 8. Le parole fanno gruppo
$225.00

Software World
P.O. Box 429
Mount Pleasant, SC 29465-0429
1-888-EDUWORLD
sofworld@sofworld.com

Triple Play Plus!
Ages 8 -Adult. Beginner to intermediate skill level. There are 6 categories divided into 14 beginning level games, 7 intermediate level games and 12 comic strip dialogues to teach more than 1,000 words, plus phrases and sentences. There are a variety of native speakers.  Automatic Speech Recognition, $65.00.

Syracuse Language Systems     
5790 Widewaters Parkway     
Syracuse, NY 13214     
800-797-5264   
Rosetta Stone Italian -- Levels 1 and 2
Level I: CD-ROMs with 92 chapters of instructional material.
Level II: CD-ROMS with 118 chapters of instructional material.

Reviewed by Chorus

Fairfield Language Technologies  
122 South Main Street  
Harrisonburg, VA  22801    
800-788-0822
Italian Now!
Over 10,000 words, full motion video, native speaker pronunciation models, record, playback & compare, variable playback speed; conversation practice, alphabet, reference, 4 different titles for all ability levels; word dictation, grammar tutorial, word and root search, vocabulary, games, workbook, $49.95.

Grammar Pro!  
Grammar tutorial (nouns - verbs - adjectives - adverbs - pronouns - particles - conjunctions - infinitives - gender - prepositions - numerals - noun declension - verb conjugation - punctuation - spelling - writing style - pronunciation - sentences - clauses and phrases , quizes, linked to Language Now!, $99.00.

Word Ace
Talking translation dictionary that provides word translations and related words, as well as verb forms and conjugations. Over 100,000 word translations per language Can be used with word processors, e-mail for independent study, or for travel. $99.00.
 
Easy Translator
For web pages, e-mail, memos, $129.00.

Transcend
Translator of documents, e-mail, web pages, English to Italian, $495.00.

Kid Speak
Pronunciation, alphabet & word recognition, understanding simple sentences, using plural & singular forms, telling time, matching numbers to written words, simple addition and subtraction. over 700 Words and Expressions in common categories; 12 printable activities and projects.


Transparent Language   
22 Proctor Hill Road   
P.O. Box 575   
Hollis, New Hampshire  03049  

Euroglot
This translation aid includes functions not found in a standard dictionary. If you
want to translate a word or expression, you get all the synonyms with multiple
meanings and information about conjugation and tenses. Six languages (Dutch / English / French / German / Italian / Spanish) are cross-linked to give 30 permutations but can be bought as individual pairs. Euroglot works with source, target and screen language that can be changed at will. $281.00.

Interlingual Trainer
This program provides a  way of creating customised course material for companies, using the organisation's own documentation as source material. The company's commercial or technical documents and their translations are presented on the program as parallel texts. The program automatically creates 6 different sorts of text based exercises: interlingual identification, gap fill, insertion, jigsaw, guided translation, and word-swap. Another benefit is that if managers need to make presentations the program will enable them to search the company corpus for all the relevant words and phrases they need. There are also tests and the program can log learners' progress.$413.00.

International Connections Italian
A business Italian course which uses video to enhance learning. Each unit provides pronunciation, listening and role play practice. There is a tutor mode, in which students can listen to alternative voices . Study is backed up by a self-test section and there is an emphasis on grasping functional language through three modes of study. There are also ample grammar explanations in each unit.  A personal learning plan (n book form) ensures that students set themselves realistic study targets. $817.00.

Italian Encounters
The program consists of over 20 dialogues covering different aspects of everyday Italian. Each dialogue is divided into two sections, a listening section and a participation section in which the learner becomes familiar with the material. There is a role play mode in which the learner can record her/his voice. A review section at the end of each dialogue allows the text and sound to be explored in greater detail. A vocabulary list and translations can be consulted. There is also a 'scenario' in which students must listen to information and solve a mystery. The program comes with a complete manual/text book which includes grammatical explanations, tapescripts of the exercises and extra written exercises for all of the dialogues on the CD-ROM. $83.00

Italian Essentials
Teaching basic skills in listening Italian, the program covers the alphabet, numbers, currency, weather, times, money, the calendar, making and receiving phone calls and 300 basic phrases. There is a voice record facility, single questions and timed tests.$19.00.

Italian Expressions
The program covers a variety of situations useful to the traveller: eating out, in the bar, shopping, traveling by train, at the airport, getting around, asking for information, and meeting arrangements. It is well structured with emphasis on learning to understand and speak every phrase. There are  speaking and listening tests as well as text exercises. $114.00.

Italian Language Library
This is a complete language learning resource consisting of a multimedia library of over 500 exercises organised at 9 levels of competence from complete beginners to advanced learners. It covers the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The tutor management system enables the teacher to add custom exercises and create work plans for individual students. There is also a learners work record. Features include an on-line dictionary, voice recording, teacher security and links to external courses. $3,292.00.

Italiano Interattivo
This is a full course for complete beginners covering a variety of topics and themes of general interest including personal identification, family, house and home, surroundings, travel, holidays, food & drink etc. It includes pronunciation skills (there is a voice record facility), grammar and a variety of exercises.  The course has a communicative approach and the emphasis is on everyday language and expressions. Students can test themselves and follow their own progress at all stages. $246.00.

Learn Italian Now!
A comprehensive language learning package covering common words and survival
phrases for elementary learners through to longer conversations for those at
intermediate level. The authentic reading materials are longer texts which provide intensive listening and reading practice. There is a split screen with the story on the top half and
individual words and phrases translated beneath . A voice-record facility is
provided together with a grammar tutorial. Learners can participate in engaging
role plays. $71.00.

Learn Italian with Asterix and Son
This program uses stories from the well-known comic book series to provide a general intermediate level course in all language skills. $58.00.

Let's Talk Italian!
The program focuses on vocabulary development and teaches 2200 words. There
is also a speech recognition facility to help with pronunciation.  Learners see still illustrations of words and phrases and practice through interactive games and use of the multimedia glossary.$50.00.

Presto e Bene
An Italian course with an emphasis on listening through the many video clips filmed in Florence. It contains a good variety of exercises - 16 units with grammar and vocabulary input. $163.00.

RealTime Italian
The program  takes the student on a journey around the country featuring language and culture through interactive dialogues and photo stories. Ample grammar explanations, a dictionary and a wide variety of exercises are included. Students learn conversational language in an authentic setting. $33.00.

The Rosetta Stone Italian - 1, 2
Level 1 programs have 1 CD-ROM with 8 units divided into 92 chapters.Level 2 programs have 2 CD-ROMs with 11 units divided into 118 chapters.

Reviewed by CALICO

Smart Start Italian
Containing games, conversations and speech recognition activities, this program allows users to learn up to 1000 words. Themes include food, numbers, people & clothing, places & transport and daily activities. Students can choose a game from three levels of language, to learn vocabulary, phrases and complete conversations. $33.00.

Talk Now Italian!
The basics of the language through topical vocabulary which includes: first words, phrases, food, shopping, numbers and time. Users can compare their pronunciation with that of native speakers using the record facility. There are a number of quizzes, and also a comprehensive dictionary which can be printed out. $48.00.

Tell Me More Italian: Beginning
This course has high quality production values. Students listen to dialogues and can
practise their pronunciation through speech recognition technology from individual words to full sentences. There are also  grammar lessons with explanations, video with listening comprehension activities, a glossary and a  variety of exercises : these include dictation, vocabulary exercises and word games, gapfill exercises and much more. Contents of the Disc: Describing Oneself, How To Count, Nouns & Adjectives, Introductions, Losing One's Way, Swinging with 'ings'. $63.00.

Tell Me More Italian: Intermediate
This course has high quality production values. Students listen to dialogues and can
practise their pronunciation through speech recognition technology from individual words to full sentences. There are also  grammar lessons with explanations, video with listening comprehension activities, a glossary and a  variety of exercises : these include dictation, vocabulary exercises and word games, gapfill exercises and much more. Disc Contents: Ordering Breakfast, Ordering a meal, Renting a Villa, The Weather, Inviting Friends, Entertainment. $63.00.

Tell Me More Italian: Advanced
This course has high quality production values. Students listen to dialogues and can
practise their pronunciation through speech recognition technology from individual words to full sentences. There are also  grammar lessons with explanations, video with listening comprehension activities, a glossary and a  variety of exercises : these include dictation, vocabulary exercises and word games, gapfill exercises and much more. Disc Contents: Transport 1 (By Car), Transport 2 (By Plane), Transport 3 (By Train), At Customs, At the Hotel, Sightseeing. $63.00.

Tell Me More PRO Italian
This course has high quality production values. Students listen to dialogues and can
practise their pronunciation through speech recognition technology from individual words to full sentences. There are also  grammar lessons with explanations, video with listening comprehension activities, a glossary and a  variety of exercises : these include dictation, vocabulary exercises and word games, gapfill exercises and much more. The program contains 4 discs which cover the following themes:
Disc 1: Describing Oneself, How To Count, Nouns & Adjectives, Introductions,
Losing One's Way, Swinging with 'ings'
Disc 2:Ordering Breakfast, Ordering a Meal, Renting a Villa, The Weather, Inviting
Friends, Entertainment
Disc 3: Transport 1 (By Car), Transport 2 (By Plane), Transport 3 (By Train), At
Customs, At the Hotel, Sightseeing
Disc 4: First Contacts, At the Trade Fair, Taking a First Order, Handling
Complaints, Overdue Invoices, Arranging a Visit.
The PRO version can be installed on a server, and the teachers can adapt the program to their needs by determining the activities to which the student has access, and the order in which they should be performed. Parts of the program itself can be modified to suit the student's learning needs. Teachers can also consult detailed progress reports for every student for each session spent, as well as an overall evaluation. The contents of each lesson may also be printed out, so that software activities can be more easily integrated into
the lesson plan.The PRO version also benefits from a full bilingual dictionary. $411.00.

Think and Talk Italian
Through 50 interactive lessons with graphics and sound, a 10,000 word dictionary and speech recognition, the program develops conversational language. The speech recognition feature is a useful tool in developing pronunciation skills. $56.00.

TransIT-Tiger Italian
This hypertext program is designed to help students and other professionals with instant help and guidance in translating from one language into another. Specializedt glossaries and hints assist students with the translation and two alternative translations are available for comparison with the students' first attempt. $124.00.

Travel Talk English-Italian
An interactive phrasebook which polishes langauage skills by intensive listening and speaking practice, concentrating on expressions needed for business or travel. Select any sentence under 12 topic headings and see it translated into Italian: then listen to it spoken and record it yourself. A vocabulary section contains over 500 useful words and expressions listed under 36 headings. $31.00.

Who Is Oscar Lake - Italian
This is an adventure story in which you play the principal role. Everyone believes that you are the internationally-known diamond thief Oscar Lake. You must find out why by visiting different locations and talking with real-life characters played by native speakers in video sequences. The program presents 1000 items of vocabulary, and in the conversations you
become familiar with useful expressions for business, travel, shopping, eating and drinking, the arts and computers. You can participate in conversations by selecting alternative answers: so the conversation and story can develop in different ways, and you can enjoy the game again and again with multiple outcomes! However, you can also leave the story at any time to focus on functional language and useful expressions. You can measure your progress (both in the game and in language learning) by checking your scores. $61.00.

Reviewed in Northeast Conference Newsletter 43, Winter 1998, p. 67.

World Talk Italian
Assuming a basic knowledge of Italian, the program offers an  range of activities and games which cover practical and everyday situations, expressions and vocabulary.  There is a 'recording studio' with a graded range of tasks. There are stories with listening comprehension exercises and the 10 games cover such useful language as: giving directions, dates and times, making arrangements as well as various vocabulary themes.$58.00.

Talkfast International
London House
243 Lower Mortlake Rd
Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2LS
United Kingdom
Tel: (+44) 0181 948 1011
Fax: (+44) 0181 948 3900
info@talkfast.com
EZ Language (25-language edition)
Vocabulary/pronunciation tutor for beginners with over 800 words and phrases in 16 different thematic lists, record/playback/compare, $69.95

EZ Language (17-language edition)
Vocabulary/pronunciation tutor. 25,000 Words & 2,250 phrases,   record/playback/compare; on-line multimedia dictionary.

IMSI
1939 Fourth Street
San Rafael, CA 94901-5506
Telephone: (415) 454-7101Fax: (415) 257-3565
Sales: 1-800-833-8082
Multimedia Flashcards - Italian
Ages 2 - 10. Introductory program to introduce Italian  to young children. Learn several hundred words divided into the topics of: Colors, Plurals, Places, Actions, Positions, Professions, and 3 miscellaneous groups. After the vocabulary is learned, there are 3 games: "Find the Card", "Match the Pairs", and "Beat the Clock" - each with 3 levels of difficulty - to test your knowledge. Earn enough points and print out a bronze, silver or gold medal certificate. Finally record your voice in your own mini-movie to practice pronunciation. For teachers, print out a list of all the students' names and scores. The progress of each student can be saved separately.

Let's Talk
Ages 8 - adult; vocabulary and pronunciation skill builder; over 2,200 words in French, Spanish, German and Italian - all on one CD-ROM. The words are grouped by 200 subjects and alphabetically; practice and  interactive games; multimedia glossary;   re
cord/playback & compare pronunciation; customized word lists and progress tracking;  $30.00.

World of Reading, Ltd. 
P.O. Box 13092 
Atlanta, GA  3024-0092 
800-729-3703

polyglot@wor.com
Italian for Everyone
Beginning Italian for travelers. 3 CDs. $29.95.

Review

Developer/distributor:
Creative Technology (MicroDesign) Ltd
Address: One Athenaeum Street, Cambridge, MA 02142

Telephone: 1-800-622-3390
Fax: 1-423-670-2022, 227-5609, 423-670-2020, 423-670-2023
Email: creative@net-shopper.co.uk

http://www.learningco.com

Parliamo Italiano! NOW!  
Integrated with Parliamo Italiano, games, voice recording, vocabulary & translation practice, on-line aids, cultural notes, self/tests.

Houghton Mifflin    
222 Berkeley Street    
Boston, Mass 02115    
800-733-1810 

ITALIAN WEB-BASED PROGRAMS

Freeware Italian-English/English-Italian Dictionary for Win95/98