Instant Immersion French 3.0 Reviewer's Comments

*We chose not to include Instant Immersion 3.0 in our updated review of Learn French software because it is very similar to Talk Now!, the #10 product. The program is still available through TOPICS Entertainment and you can read the previous review below.*

Instant Immersion, produced by TOPICS Entertainment, is a set of programs designed to help you gain French fluency. The package includes five CD-ROMS: Talk Now French, World Talk French, Talk More French, an interactive picture dictionary and a mystery game.

Features:  

You will need to learn to use each of the five different programs in Instant Immersion. These are simply designed, so are easy enough to use, but intuitively knowing which program covers which fundamental is difficult.

Fundamentals:  

Instant Immersion French takes a fun approach to learning; using games is an excellent way to learn. The software includes five different programs; within each, you are offered several games to help improve your French fundamentals.

A main focus of Instant Immersion French focuses is listening comprehension. This program gives you several stories so you can hear how French words are pronounced in context. Instant Immersion French includes broadcast video material in French. You can also compare a recording of your voice to the voice of a native French speaker.

Instant Immersion includes a comprehensive glossary and dictionary; the interactive picture dictionary has over 2,000 entries. These are both good references, but are also fine French vocabulary building tools.

The most entertaining program offered in Instant Immersion French is an interactive mystery program called Who is Oscar Lake. This program is an intriguing way to build your French vocabulary.

Ease of Use:  

Installation was easy, but it was time consuming to install the five different French programs.

Teaching Tools:  

The help and documentation were adequate. From the website you can study FAQs and access e-mail support to answer your questions.

Word Tools:  

Using the games, you can learn basic French fundamentals, but the program is weak on French grammar. Grammar is vital when trying to learn French. If you don't know the rules and patterns for how sentences are formed, then your language skills are limited to French vocabulary and pronunciation—both of which are covered well in this program.

Tech Support/Help:  

Instant Immersion French offers a wide variety of vocabulary games that help break the monotony of learning new words and phrases in French. But Instant Immersion is weak at presenting rules of French grammar that help you master vital language skills, such as conjugating French verbs.

Summary:  

Instant Immersion French gives you a break from classroom-style learning. This program will not take you to French fluency because it lacks conversation practice and grammar instruction, but Instant Immersion French will help you have fun learning French vocabulary and pronunciation.