#12 Improve Your Communication with Vocabulary Software

Note: If you want to improve your vocabulary with vocabulary software, then we highly recommend you try the popular program, Ultimate Vocabulary. Click Ultimate Vocabulary to learn more.*

Sometimes, admitting that we need help to increase our vocabulary can be uncomfortable. We might present a great front to our friends and coworkers in terms of verbal vocabulary, but in relation to non-verbal vocabulary we may be in need of help. Alternatively, we might be entering college or university and require assistance with our everyday vocabulary in order to develop academic word knowledge. Whatever the reason, vocabulary software can help us to get the most out of our efforts.

Vocabulary software is an E-learning tool that offers a more efficient method of effective vocabulary learning. The University of Manchester (2009) suggests that the benefits of e-learning include:

  • Accommodation of students with different learning styles. E-learning also offers self-paced learning and access to materials is available when students are not in the traditional classroom setting.
  • E-learning promotes “reflective” learning, which involves actively rather than passively gaining knowledge – a strategy that is known to promote learning and retention. It also allows students to centre attention on what they need to learn.
  • E-learning can offer a cheaper method of learning and one that is more time efficient. It can avoid the need for expensive materials as it is presented in electronic form.
  • Vocabulary software incorporates known principles of learning (via research findings and experience) into one program. This translates into a more efficient method of instruction.

When developing vocabulary for non-native English speakers, the use of computers is extremely valuable. There are vocabulary software products on the market, such as Ultimate Vocabulary’s ESL (English as a second language) product, that are specifically designed to improve English vocabulary. It is also well-known that learning word meanings is enhanced when in context. Computers can offer this context, as well as offering an active learning experience. This gives different types of learners, who have different styles of learning, a more effective way of developing vocabulary (Green, 2005).

Another example of providing context in e-learning is demonstrated in Ultimate Vocabulary’s software product – Word Discover™. This product offers more than 50 usage examples, word history, visual word explorer, encyclopedia information, and images for every word.

Using vocabulary software can be an efficient way of learning word meanings. There are many benefits of E-learning that conventional methods of instruction cannot offer. Such software utilises proven instructional techniques that are known to increase a learner’s vocabulary. If you are considering increasing your vocabulary for any reason, e-learning methods are second to none.

References

Green, T, ‘Using Technology to Help English Language Students Develop Language Skills: A Home and School Connection’ (2005) 13(2) Multicultural Education 56.

University of Manchester , eLearning and Its Benefits (2009) (viewed 12 February 2009).

*We endorse only products that we have tried and tested. These products include Ultimate Vocabulary. We are delighted to accept a small commission from some of the sales through this website of Ultimate Vocabulary.