Training programs for systems based on Windows Mobile

Learning the language. Part Two.

LingvoSoft Flash Card.

We continue to review programs for foreign language teaching. At the present time is popular enough approach to language learning in the form of mini-games. This type applies to the program from LingvoSoft Flash Card.

Developer - LingvoSoft, website www.lingvosoft.com, the principle of distribution - shareware, the price. $ 39.95. More recently, the Russian-language website address has changed - now it's on www.perevodov.net. The program price on it is 995 rubles. Versions are available for many language pairs - Russian-English version is not the only one.

FlashCards vocabulary program is about 7000 words. In addition to the main dictionary, divided into three categories (3000 words) are words and terms from the fields of law, medicine, computer science and business. Each base also includes the 1000 most common terms.

Programming interface.

The program consists of four language exercises performed in the form of mini-games. When you run the utility scans the memory devices, including memory card. This process can take quite a long time. On the other hand, this approach allows you to install additional modules at any location. All dictionaries are found are displayed in the left hand side. For each module description is available in the lower right corner displays a pointer to the translation direction. At any time you can add a custom dictionary and work with him. The program interface can be adjusted by varying the number of words in the block under study and the type font used. For systems based on Pocket PC 2003 and above supported landscape screen orientation.

Description of the modules.

The principle of language acquisition has been well studied, so that all software developers use the same techniques to expand the vocabulary base.In this program, presented practically the same approach as in the previously described program Learn Word.

Flash Cards is a classic version of the initial acquaintance with the language. At the top of the card displays the original words on the bottom - its translation. In general, it is hidden, but you can switch on the display. From the context menu in the bottom of the window available to transition to the block list and return to the main window.

The second exercise is Pockets. Learning words placed in his pockets. During exercise are also words on the screen in the form of cards. With the proper translation of the word moves into the top pocket, in case of error - stays the same. In this case, it is necessary to repeat memorizing. Statistics are kept correct and incorrect answers.The exercise ends when all of the words of the lower pocket are moved to the top.

The final exercise is a test for the correct translation and transcription.

By the way, one printed at the top of the screen you want to choose the correct option from the list of words displayed below. When the correct answer a couple disappears, the word is marked as a study. In the test on the spelling must enter the translation manually.

Features of the program significantly expands the free utility that allows you to create custom dictionaries in the format of *. pdb. As already described above, dictionaries in the format *. pdb are automatically recognized. With the help of some simple procedures are well described in the instructions, you can easily create your personal dictionary and engage in it. Such an approach is virtually unique for the study of specific and professional vocabulary.

General impressions and conclusions.

They can be described just a few words. A comfortable interface, flexible configuration of the studied units, good functionality. Work with the program is convenient, everything is clear and logical. When comparing the utility with the program Learn Word, described in a previous review, we have to note the presence of both advantages and obvious shortcomings. The main drawback of both tools is the lack of built-in voice module for voice playback, word database for language learning. In both cases, the connection of voice modules necessary to use additional utilities. Program Flash Card is a simpler, there are no algorithms for storing, based on repetition.Simultaneously, this approach makes it more convenient to refresh the memory the most used phrases. Enough to create several word sets and use them as needed. The program focus on the Western market determines the higher price of this product, which is compensated by a more convenient mechanism for the acquisition. In general, the program Learn Word, and Flash Card is completely interchangeable. The choice of the user of a utility will be driven rather than quality and functionality (they are about the same), and the convenience of purchasing the registered version.