This is a Total Physical Response (TPR) computer program — which means that the user actually interacts with people and objects on the computer screen. Humor and light-hearted fun engage the learner in activities for listening, teaching, reading, writing, vocabulary, verb forms, and spelling. Using casual, natural, and practical language, each unit presents basic vocabulary through a logical sequence of imperatives describing a familiar activity. Live Action English Interactive was produced by five experienced ESL teachers with more than 120 years of language teaching experience that joined forces to produce such a dynamic, productive, and captivating ESL software program.

EASY, English Academic Success for You is a video-based ESL series on interactive CD and network. It is for the newcomer or lower level student and is a great supplement in Middle and High Schools to textbooks. The subject matter is all American based life skills presented in full interactive video and highly correlated to the BEST and CASAS assessments and most states’ standards. EASY is ideal in the classroom, the lab, and also at home.

The Pronunciation Power 1 and 2 software are excellent tools for teachers of ESL to compliment their classroom learning environment by aiding the students in practicing and improving their pronunciation skills through self-study. The teacher can direct the students to the lessons that would be best for them to study as the program is designed for students to be able to practice on their own. The Pronunciation Power program is easy to navigate and is extremely user friendly with few confusing icons and an informative help bar just in case.

Interchange 3rd Edition is a comprehensive, up-to-date approach to teaching and learning. It is an immersive experience that educates students by navigating them through the range of interchanges that face an ESL student, from personal to professional, cultural to academic. Proper emphasis is put on communication and the grammar and vocabulary skills that are needed equally to understand someone talking to you as well as clearly coming across to them. Designed for young adult to adult learners, Interchange brings a vital immediacy, whether for home or in the classroom, by preparing a 21st century student for all the potential language encounters they will have.

In the next article I'll continue to review esl software products.