Polyglotus.com
 
Independent review of language learning tools.

 

Language Learning Tools
Product Comparison

This is a comparison table featuring the language learning tools offered in the market. We intended to present this information as simple as possible, in order to help you choose which product is best for you.

Company

Berlitz

 Rosetta Stone

 Rosetta Stone

Product

Berlitz Virtual Classroom

Rosetta Stone Version 3 Personal Edition

Rosetta Stone Version 3 Online Edition

Review score  (1-5) 

3.5

5.0

4.75

Product image

Berlitz Online Programs

 Rosetta Stone CD edition

Rosetta Stone Online Subscription

Languages offered

Virtually every language on Earth

29 of the world’s most spoken languages

The 10 most popular languages offered by RS, but more to be added

Operating System

Only Windows

Windows or Mac

Windows or Mac

Internet connection requirements

At least 56k

Internet connection needed to activate

High-speed Internet connection

Human Aspect

Real, human instructors and staff; instructors are all native speakers

No human instructor, but choice of recorded native voices; toll-free customer service help

No human instructor, but choice of recorded native voices; toll-free customer service help

Educational Features

Specialized courses like business or travel lessons; one-to-one instruction so that the course can be personalized

Speech analysis features; keeps track of your progress; reading and writing options

Speech analysis features; keeps track of your progress; reading and writing options

Price 

$3,325 including fees and materials

$499

$109.95 for 3 months
$159.95 for 6 months

Product link

Buy now!

Buy now!

Buy now!

Review link

Click here

Click here

Click here

Language Learning Tools Reviews

Berlitz Virtual Classroom

Berlitz Virtual Classroom is a great way for language learners to get the benefits of the proven Berlitz Method at home, without having to attend classes at a Berlitz Language School.  You can study your new second language anywhere at any time; all you need is a computer and an Internet connection.

You do have to schedule your lessons in advance, and although most languages are offered, it all depends on instructor availability.  All of the Berlitz instructors are native speakers of the language they teach, and they are all certified to teach.

The advantages of the Berlitz Virtual Classroom are that;

- You have a real, human teacher to work with.  This is clearly the better option if you would like to have an actual native speaker as a teacher.  There are some things you simply can't learn from computer software.

- You can find virtually any language you want to learn, not just the most popular or widely-spoken.

The disadvantages are that;

- The system can only run on Windows.

- It is more expensive to have an actual teacher.  Berlitz Virtual Classroom is quite inexpensive as far as language instruction goes, but much more expensive than the Rosetta Stone options.

- You have to schedule your lessons. More.

 

Rosetta Stone Version 3 Personal Edition

As far as language software goes, Rosetta Stone's Personal Edition can't be beat.  This package includes levels 1, 2 and 3 of whichever language you choose to study.  Rosetta Stone teaches you by immersing you in the language, rather than using textbooks and drills.

The best things about the Personal Edition are:

- You can study anytime anywhere.  There are absolutely no restrictions on when you can have your lessons.  You don't even need an Internet connection.

- The program is loaded with interactive features so that you can design your course of study according to your personal needs.  If you would like to focus on pronunciation, you can use the speech analysis features.  You can set the delay mode to add some variety to your study.  You can choose which part of the language you want to focus on, whether it be pronunciation, reading and writing, or listening.

- The price is very low, especially considering that you get all three levels of your chosen language.

The only downsides are:

- There is no grammar explanation, so you will need to supplement your study with some reference materials (even an online dictionary will do the job).

- There are only 29 languages offered. More.

 

Rosetta Stone Version 3 Online Edition

Rosetta Stone's Online Version offers a new, flexible way to study a language using the proven Rosetta Stone Method.  Now, you can study anywhere if you have an Internet connection, and you can do it more cheaply than any other way.

The advantages the Online Edition are:

- You can study anytime anywhere.  All you need is an Internet connection, and you are ready to go.  If you have any problems, the customer service staff is available at Rosetta Stone's toll-free number.

- The program is loaded with interactive features so that you can design your course of study according to your personal needs.  If you would like to focus on pronunciation, you can use the speech analysis features.  You can set the delay mode to add some variety to your study.  You can choose which part of the language you want to focus on, whether it be pronunciation, reading and writing, or listening.

- The price is the lowest you will find anywhere, if you want to study a language for a short period of time.

The only downsides are:

- There is no grammar explanation, so you will need to supplement your study with some reference materials (even an online dictionary will do the job).

- There are only 10 languages offered.

- The subscriptions expire.  If you want to continue studying over a long period of time, you might want to buy the software instead. More.

 

Summary conclusion

If you want a live, native instructor and have the resources to spend money on your language learning, you should try out Berlitz Virtual Classroom.  This system is ideal for those who can't get to a Berlitz Language Center, or who want the flexibility of studying on their own.

If you are looking for a great software program to study a second language, Rosetta Stone is the best on the market.  The question is whether the Personal Edition or Online Version is ideal for you.

The key consideration is whether you plan to continue studying for a long time, or whether you would like to get the basics down and continue on your own.  For example, if you are planning to move to another country and want to master the basics, the Online Edition 3-month subscription is a great way to do it cheaply.

On the other hand, if you plan to get more deeply into a language with Rosetta Stone, it is more cost effective to buy the software, especially if you plan to do it for over a year.

Overall, we went with the Rosetta Stone Online Edition for a couple of reasons.  One, it is the most economical and effective way to learn a language.  Both the Berlitz Method and Rosetta Stone Method are very effective because they immerse you in the new language.  However, as a beginner at a new language, the Rosetta Stone Online Version is ideal because it allows you to get your feet wet without making a major commitment.

Rosetta Stone's Method will teach you the basics the same way kids learn.  And with the subscription online version, you can give it a try before taking the plunge.