Rosetta Stone vs. The Learnables (author response)

[cbollin]

Does anyone know why the Hazell's switched from recommending The Learnables to Rosetta Stone? We have used The Learnables for two years and love it but are curious about the change.
Thanks!

simply put, the Hazells liked Rosetta Stone more than Learnables, so they switched.

I called and talked a bit to their staff about the change. Some (but not all) of the reasons include: it's just a better program, recording keeping is easy with the student management system, more language choices, a variety of learning methods that increase with difficulty from audio, audio/visual, visual, and writing skills, native speakers on the audio, the business world is using RS for training employees. That was just some of reasons.

Hazells used both Learnables and Rosetta Stone and they just liked RS much better.
hth
--crystal

[MJP]

Disclaimer (just my opinions) I have not used the Learnable, but I did use 2 other programs. We did not have anywhere near the success as with Rosetta Stone. RS is so easy. I use the preset lesson plans and my older ones do a worksheet after each odd lesson (more than one day) and a worksheet and a test after each even lesson. In each lesson there are 3 tests and the computer keeps track of all of those scores for me. This is so much easier than anything else I have tried. My older two (13, 11) do this almost completely independently, and like it! Confession--I like it too!

[david]

For a long time we used and sold both RS and L. Both do use the same natural language learning methods. RS engaged our children longer and more actively for more years. We have children who have been using it successfully independently for 4 years with minor complaints (usually software issues). We have seen them responding in a foreign language accurately. We like the variety of tasks that are present in RS-- audio, visual, workbook, typing, etc. Simply much more variety for the money. Each level comprises 2 years of high school credit. Therefore RS cost are identical to or less expensive than the Learnables (you needed Four Learnable packages -last time we checked- to comprise one Level of RS). We sold both until we realized that our enthusiasm sold 10-20 times more RS and eventually we talked nearly everyone who ordered Learnables to consider RS. Learnables became a stagnant product for us. We personally now own RS in 3 languages and each with two levels. Most of our children are in or close to Level Two in their language of choice.

If, however, a family did not have a computer, Learnables is still by far our best second choice. David

[TurnOurHearts]

Thanks everyone, for your posts here. David, your post was especially helpful.

I had no idea that each level of RS was equivalent to two years, so the price is lower than I thought. I definitely will be thinking about how to make this happen in the budget - even if it means holding off 'til next year. Thanks again~

Paige in NC

[Marie]

Author: Marie Hazell
Date: 4/1/2004

If famlies do not own a computer, or prefer their child not use a computer, then we recommend Learnables. If you have a computer for your child to use, then we usually recommend Rosetta Stone. It has a huge number of lessons (more than 90) and kids can use it on their own. You just need to help them get started and monitor their progress.

[Archiver2]

Author: Paige (guest)
Date: 4/1/2004

We got the Learnables and liked it but then I stumbled across the Rosetta Stone web site and did the demo and my son was walking around behind me talking in Spanish. So we got Rosetta Stone and LOVE it.

HTH,
Paige

[forbothmykids]

This question is probably for the wonderful long-term users of MFW. I know MFW used to recommend The Learnables as an option for foreign language. I happened to get my hands on all the levels of The Learnables French, and I was wondering if any of the old TMs gave any hints or tips on using it. It doesn't look too complicated at all to use, but I'll take any Hazell-wisdom I can get! Does anybody remember anything in the TMs about it?

[cbollin]

This question is probably for the wonderful long-term users of MFW. I know MFW used to recommend The Learnables as an option for foreign language. I happened to get my hands on all the levels of The Learnables French, and I was wondering if any of the old TMs gave any hints or tips on using it. It doesn't look too complicated at all to use, but I'll take any Hazell-wisdom I can get! Does anybody remember anything in the TMs about it?

before that.. a quick link to David's answer about why MFW stopped selling Learnables:
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2291&p=12470#p12470

hints/tips:
from my 2002 ECC manual.....(if the board mods have to remove this, I understand)

*lessons about 20 minutes longer. younger kids can do half a lesson at a time. If younger than age seven, go in 5 five segments instead. try to help them pay attention if needed.

*listen to same listen 3 x while in book, 4th time without book

*gave some tips back when it was on cassette. oh my. we'll skip that

*you can use the chart in the appendix for record keeping.. Older children who complete a full lesson at each sitting may end beginning "basic structures" book mid year.

BAsically the chart in the appendix was set up for up to 5 kids.
You have their name
then 10 rows (each row meant a lesson)
4 columns: 3 times with the book, 4th time without
check mark when done
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3


-crystal