Review by Snap, Crackle and Pop

THE QUICK TAKE: Instant Immersion Spanish offers a lot of content for a reasonable price. Like all language programs, you get out what you put in - it takes work. This package is a reasonable option if you’re looking for a less-expensive way to start to learn Spanish.

FULL REVIEW:nnInstant Immersion Spanish has a number of features that reflect their experience in offering language programs:nn+ There is a diverse range of content and different ways to learn, which is important with language: computer software, tablet software (for Level 1), a DVD and audio.n+ A PDF of the audio script is included, so there are written materials as well. I like to see the words, not just hear them.n+ This new version allows multiple members of a household to use the software. In my opinion, that’s essential for language software, so each individual can pick up where they left off.n+ The software can be installed using a download, which is very helpful for the newer devices that blur the lines between tablets and computers (such as our 2-in-1 laptop with no optical drive).n+ The tablet software is fairly nicely done, though it could be a little better. It offers a few different learning approaches (listening, speaking, spelling, multiple choice). I find the tablet (in our case, an iPad) works particularly well with children - and easy to pick it up and get started, anywhere. No need to sit down at a computer. (Of course, it makes me wish it covered all of the levels.)nnBut there are some concerns:n- The DVD seems to use Spanish as it is spoken in Spain, rather than in Latin America. While the differences are modest, that’s a surprising thing to do to new learners.n- The DVD lessons are OK and worth doing, but not particularly effective or appealing. They need an update.

One other thing to note, if you’re planning to use the audio while driving - it’s a little complex for that, though you could review or preview it that way you’d still want to listen when you can give it your full attention. Also, it’s unfortunate the audio doesn’t start out with a little conversational Spanish, rather than 3-4 lessons on the alphabet.

Given the value price and the substantial amount of content, I wanted to like Instant Immersion Spanish more than I did. I’d give it a moderately positive recommendation, if you’re looking for a budget option.

I suppose my expectations were fairly high, as I’ve used a number of different approaches to language learning and inevitably compare Instant Immersion to the best of each of them. So I compare the audio to Pimsleur; the tablet app to DuoLingo; and so on. Instant Immersion wasn’t the best in any category.

The bar has been raised in another way as well: with so many free resources available through the internet, language software has to offer a lot of value for the price.