Panoramic Reviewer's Comments

*Panoramic is still available but we decided not to update the review on this product because Transparent Language includes the program in the Complete Spanish Learning Suite. Below is the previous review of Panoramic.*

 

Panoramic offers a unique visual approach to learning Spanish vocabulary, presenting the world in a 3–D, panoramic way. The software offers 30 scenes representing different learning environments; by using your mouse and keyboard you can navigate through any scene to learn the names for everything on the screen. For example, when you visit the bathroom scene you can move the mouse over an element in the room–such as the toothbrush–and you will automatically be given the Spanish translation. This uncommon approach was both amusing and informative, earning Panoramic a spot as one of our top 10 Spanish language software products.

Features:  

Panoramic offers a few features essential to Spanish language acquisition. It contains a dictionary with more than 2000 words and 1200 phrases covering topics from travel to weather. And after you work through each lesson segment you are presented with a drill to test your skill. The program keeps a detailed record of your progress, both errors and successes. Although the program includes these convenient vocabulary learning and testing features, it lacks many valuable tools available in top–of–the–line Spanish software programs, such as grammar–building exercises and conversation practice.

Fundamentals:  

This product is not simple to use. Panoramic offers icons to help you navigate, but the icons do not include the function name so it is difficult to decipher the purpose of each. To compound the problem, this program lacks a mouse-over function that works properly. When you mouse–over an object you must wait for the pop–up tag to reveal the name of the application. The delay is frustrating.

Ease of Use:  

This program installed easily and offers a choice of nine interface languages.

Teaching Tools:  

The help and documentation segment for this program was excellent. The normal turnaround time for email response was two business days. You can contact technical support by email or telephone. We received excellent support from Transparent Language.

Word Tools:  

This program covers the fundamentals of basic Spanish vocabulary in a fun and interesting way. Panoramic includes record and playback functions to allow you to listen to your own pronunciation of Spanish words.

Help/Support:  

This product is unique in its approach to teaching the Spanish language–a refreshing break from the typical, structured language learning program. Panoramic allows you to view a variety of 3–D scenes to learn vocabulary words. We felt this was an excellent method for teaching Spanish vocabulary, but the program does not advance Spanish students beyond the vocabulary level. Panoramic does not teach written Spanish, grammar, verb conjucations or conversation skills in depth.

Summary:  

Panoramic is a good way to build your vocabulary, but the program lacks the ability to expand your language abilities in other areas. But we think it is a good choice for basic, introductory language exposure.