But don't expect to get that help immediately from the established language companies that have offered dictionaries, traveler's phrase books, lesson plans, audio tapes, and even CD ROM language programs. These online-only sites are attempting to leverage the strengths of the Net, such as interactivity, constant availability, and audio, and text capabilities, to create comprehensive and immersive language learning programs. Beginner lessons at Parlo are free.
Students connect with other students and an instructor through chat rooms on the site.
The site currently offers English, Spanish, and French courses, and plans to add Italian and German by the end of the year. LearnPlus also offers free trial language lessons, but does not feature the cultural immersion component included in Parlo. Several other online-only language offerings are aimed at the casual traveler that simply wants to ask directions. Most of the language-learning sites on the Web are beginning to gain momentum just as traditional players, such as The Learning Company, are facing hard times. Even though it is up for sale, The Learning Company plans to launch online language instruction later this year.