Review Tell Me More

-- Review Tell Me More --

This is my review for the Tell Me More Performance French (10 Levels) which is one of their latest and top of the range products.

-- Review Tell Me More --

What Is Tell Me More?

Tell Me More is an interactive French learning program that works you through 10 learning levels (from total beginner to advanced) by using more than 40 different French learning activities.

It teaches not only grammar and vocabulary but also culture and speech.

One of its key features is its well developed speech recognition and analysis tool. This really is a great tool to have and is an excellent way of getting you to pronounce the words correctly.

-- Review Tell Me More --

Who's It For?

Tell Me More is suitable for Complete Beginners to Advanced Learners and can be used by individuals or groups.

A great asset to this software is that it allows for multiple learners and so each member of the family/group can have their own private log-in area and personalized learning path.

With this in mind it also makes it very suitable for :

Families / Groups / Private Individuals

Home schooling (kids aged 11 and upwards)

Schools, and

Businesses.

-- Review Tell Me More --

How To Use It

To use Tell Me More, you will need a computer with a graphics and sound card and to make full use of their online services you will need a High-speed Internet connection.

Further info is detailed on their website and you can do an online computer test so you can see if your sound and graphics cards are suitable.

What do you get in the box?
- The software package comes as a DVD-ROM plus you get a paper user manual and a microphone and headset.

-- Review Tell Me More --

My First Impressions

I received the software within 48 hours and couldn't wait to get started. The software was incredibly quick and easy to install and then it guided me through a series of steps to test the headphones speech and sound and to set up my own personal account.

Remember several users can use the software and each will have their own account and password.

Now I was raring to go. One piece of advice is not to rush it and read the manual thoroughly first (unlike what I did!).

The opening interface on the software looks a bit daunting at first as there are lots of choices to make. However if you read the manual first and use all the help buttons you will find it much easier to get going.

So what can you do with the software?

First off is to take a test to see what level you are. If you are a beginner though, you would automatically start at level 1.

Previously I felt Tell Me More was a bit overwhelming for beginners, but they have now introduced a new level which is great for beginners.

There are 10 levels and within each level you can choose 3 different lesson modes:

Free to Roam
You choose the lesson and activities that are the most interesting to you.
Guided
This is best for beginners as the lessons are planned for you according to your learning objectives.
Dynamic
This mode evaluates your progress as you work and adjusts the activities based on the results of previous exercises. It is all explained as you go along and you can always change your lesson mode at any time.

Each mode is then organized into workshops such as vocabulary, grammar, oral, written, cultural and topics and within those workshops there are more choices of the type of activity that you wish to do.

You can now see why it is important to read the manual and familiarize yourself with the program before getting started.

Some of the activities that I tried :

Crossword Puzzles

Word Searches

Grammar Practice

Fill-in-the-blanks

Sentence Pronunciation

Video and Questions

Written Expression

Below is a screen shot of other possible activities:

One superb feature is the Speech Recognition Software with which I had great fun using.

My family did get a bit fed up with me as I kept repeating the same phrase over and over again until I got it right. The software analyses your speech pattern and uses an on-screen graph to highlight your strengths and weaknesses. You can keep practicing the words/phrase till you get them right. It is very addictive!

Tip: lock yourself away when you are using the microphone.

Within certain modes your performance is evaluated and you can follow your progress. You can also (again dependant on which mode you are in) change activity, change level or change lesson mode as and when you wish. Naturally try to avoid chopping and changing too much as you can lose momentum and it slows your progress.

Tell Me More is certainly aimed at the serious learner. If you are after holiday French then this is not for you.

It is not a cheap product but at the same time it is one of the most comprehensive French learning packages that I have come across.

-- Review Tell Me More --

What I Liked About Tell Me More

Tell Me More is very easy to install and I liked having a paper manual.

Several people can use the same software and each can have their own learning path and log-in area. Great for families, schools and offices.

You can choose what language you would like the instructions in.

You can take an initial test to check your level and then a progress test at any time to see how you are doing..

Huge choice of programs and activities. There is something for everyone and there is little time to get bored..

You can set your own learning objectives including number of hours you can devote per day and the skills you wish to focus on. The program then creates a learning program to fit your needs.

As the software can tailor make you a learning program and then evaluate your progress, it is a bit like having your own personal tutor.

The speech recognition software is a fantastic tool especially if you have little or no contact with native French speakers.

Files can be downloaded to an MP3 player or burned onto a CD so you can practice your listening skills away from your computer. You can also copy files onto a Pocket PC or print out certain pages.

You have access to an online advisor (I didn't try this service) plus a weekly Euronews lesson online.

-- Review Tell Me More --

Conclusion

Tell Me More is a very comprehensive French learning package.

It is the closest I have seen to having your own personal tutor. Price might put some people off but then it does have so much to offer and you are paying for a very sophisticated piece of language learning software.

I would say that young learners might prefer something a bit less formal but the serious learner who likes to see their progress will get on very well. Also remember it is great for a family, office or group who can each have their own log-in and learning program on the same piece of software.

(Review Tell Me More - 2010)

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-- Review Tell Me More --

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