Rocket Italian Reviewer's Comments

Rocket Italian is a complete language learning program that tries to incorporate audio lessons, textbooks, flashcards and computer programs into the curriculum. While the material is extensive, Rocket Italian is decidedly light on the interactive computer software. The actual software part of the Rocket Italian curriculum is comprised of a type of flashcard program that helps you practice vocabulary from many topics. If you are looking for a complete, interactive software package that can teach you Italian, this isn’t the program for you.

However, if you are the kind of learner that likes audio lessons and textual grammar guides, the Rocket Italian program is a good choice for you. The vocabulary software does a good job of supplementing and reinforcing what you learn in the audio lessons.

Rocket Italian Screenshots. Click for more
       


Features:  

The vocabulary software has a good progress tracking feature that details how well you do on vocab lists. However, since the rest of the curriculum is audio and text, there is no tracking feature to measure your overall understanding of Italian.

One of the best advantages of Rocket Italian audio lessons is that they can be put on an MP3 player or mobile device so that you can keep learning Italian no matter where you go. The Rocket Italian website also has a lot of additional information about the language and culture.

Fundamentals:  

While Rocket Spanish does cover all the fundamentals, it is done through listening, not in an interactive software environment. Conversations are scripted into the audio lessons on the assumption that the user will follow along and respond accordingly. There is no speech recognition system so there is no objective way to score pronunciation and conversation.

Ease of Use:  

Rocket Italian is easy to use. The vocabulary software is simple and easy to navigate.

Teaching Tools:  

The majority of the rocket Italian curriculum is either audio or text. The vocabulary software uses images to associate ideas with words. The audio is crisp and easily discernable. Rocket Italian also has good culture lesson material that will help the user understand how the country, people and language interact.

One of the biggest problems with Rocket Italian is the lack of speech recognition technology, which would help with evaluating accent and pronunciation.

Word Tools:  

Rocket Italian comes with a vast array of word tools, mostly dealing with vocabulary and grammar. There are several ebooks and flashcard printouts in the package, and more to be downloaded from the Rocket Italian website.

Tech Support:  

Rocket Italian has a useful user guide and FAQ for answering questions and learning how to use the program. You can also contact the company through email.

Summary:  

Rocket Italian offers a wealth of resources in audio lessons and texts, but it skimps in the software. If you want an interactive language program for your computer, try Tell Me More or Rosetta Stone .