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news archives
09/08/2009
“Discover Spanish” online software announced by Blount County Public Library
MARYVILLE, TN ( September 1, 2009) ¿Hablas español? You can learn to speak Spanish, the second most important business language in the world after English, with “Discover Spanish” online from your home, office or the library. Spanish is spoken by more than 350 million people and is the official language in 21 countries.
As part of this year’s participation in The Big Read, a community-wide effort to emphasize the importance of reading and literacy, the Blount County Public Library is announcing the availability of a new free conversational Spanish language software.
“Discover Spanish” was purchased by the library as a resource for people wanting an easy, fun and rewarding beginner-level introduction to the Spanish language. Simple to navigate and with remote access, the software encourages patrons to use “Discover Spanish” anywhere, any time—at any internet computer or by checking out a CD using a library card.
Kathy Pagles, library director, says that there is a definite desire among many Blount County residents to learn more about our Spanish-speaking community and get to know them personally. “One way to learn about another culture is to learn its language. ‘Discover Spanish’ is a fun and easy way to learn and practice some basics of Spanish,” says Pagles.
Registration: “Discover Spanish” is an effective online learning system featuring 36 interactive lessons available at any internet computer through the Blount County Public Library website at www.blountlibrary.org. For this hands-on learning experience, Johnny Spanish is a cartoon-like host for Discover Spanish who guides the user through the various interactive lessons. At the conclusion of each lesson, the software provides a recapping “test” that reviews the lesson and tests the user’s facility in applying the lesson.
Because the learning system is actually fun and lessons are short, learners can “play” as long as they want. The software retains the user’s scores and lesson level for a return any time to continue the lessons. Discover Spanish is unique in that it offers the value of play which increases retention. It is appealing to all ages, from 9-99.
Accompanying podcasts make “Discover Spanish” accessible for “learning on the go.”
To access “Discover Spanish” lessons, go to the library website at www.blountlibrary.org, click on “Electronic Resources” and then click on the “Discover Spanish” icon. The program requires registration, and anyone having a Blount County library card can register for free by entering the library card number. For assistance or questions, contact the Reference staff at the Blount County Public Library, 508 N. Cusick Street, Maryville, TN 37804; phone: 865-982-0981, ext.4, or 865-273-1408.
Key Points: “Discover Spanish” utilizes a combination immersion and grammar-based approach, along with a “building block” layering of lessons based upon the latest research in language acquisition. The lessons have these key points:
“The program was developed by language experts and supports the “5 Cs” of the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning (Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities).
“The 36 innovative lessons combine state-of-the-art technology with proven language acquisition techniques to provide an engaging and effective learning experience.
“Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand native speakers and communicate effectively in everyday situations.
“Discover Spanish podcasts allow patrons to learn on the go. Students can practice words and phrases from each lesson while in the car, at the gym, or wherever they take their Ipods or MP3 players.
“Discover Spanish is a valuable tool for homeschoolers. It tracks the progress of multiple users.”
CDROMs – Patrons can check out from the library three “Discover Spanish” CDs in addition to the online services.
Features: Using a language immersion approach, the 36 lessons are organized into thematic units, all based upon cutting-edge learning methodology. The English translations are fun and require interactive learning with animated characters as well as challenging, educational games. The explanations of language structure and grammar rules are simple and easy to understand. Each lesson integrates Hispanic culture into the lesson. Accompanying lessons are available on IPod and MP3.
Why Spanish? Nearly 40 million Hispanics now live in the United States, representing 13.7% of the population. For those who work in the public sector (e.g., schools, medical offices, postal services, retail businesses), the need for being able to communicate in the Spanish language is growing. In addition, millions of Americans travel to Spain and Latin America each year, and learning at least a little of the language before they go increases the interest and enjoyment.
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