The Fluenz Spanish learning program is a relative newcomer to the language software market.  Due to the simple interface and the effective teaching method, Fluenz earned an above average rating.  Fluenz takes a different approach than most of the other programs do.  The creators of the program remained focused on delivering a one on one experience with the use of a video tutor to teach each of the lessons.  The program is based on memory retention and uses a series of activities that progress in difficulty that will culminate in a conversation that you can join.

Fluenz include fewer word tools than most of the other program.  The only tool provided is a basic glossary of Spanish words that are common.  

Fluenz is a good product both in content and looks, which made it easy to put it in our #2 spot in our overall product reviews.  The only reason it wasn’t chosen as our top product is that it simply isn’t as effective a learning tool as our number one pick.

Features: Good

Fluenz provides a series of lessons that include video instruction and relevant activities.  You can begin at any level you are comfortable with and move freely though the lessons.  This makes Fluenz ok for people that have some Spanish education or learn at either faster or slower speeds.

Fluenz falls short since no additional lessons or material is provided on the site like many of the competitors programs that exands the content and gives you more to practice with.  This deficiency won’t make Fluenz deficient, but is does somewhat limit the programs scope.

Another major problem of the program is the lack of mobile device content.  No mobile version of the program is available, but it is under development.  Many companies provide lessons or applications that will run on devices like MP3 players or PDA’s, making it possible to continue to practice your vocabulary anytime you want to.

Fundamentals: Good

Fluenz is good at delivering fundamentals.  Vocabulary is introduced with lessons that are followed by activities that will reinforce what has been taught.  Some of the activities will require speaking, some require listening, and others will require that you read and write.  The activities are organized to become increasingly difficult so the lessons will be thoroughly learned.

The methods used for teaching grammar are useful for beginners.  Rather than teaching Spanish grammar, the program dives directly into conversations and uses the knowledge of English grammar to understand how Spanish works.  While this may sound too simple, we found it to be effective and not too difficult to follow.

Ease of Use: Excellent

This is an area where Fluenz stands above the competitors.  The interface is very easy and simple to navigate.  The lessons are organized in a linear fashion which means you simply let the program guide you.  You also have access to different quizzes and activities that allow you to cusomize your curriculum.

Every button is clearly labeled so there is no guesswork involved.   This program has fewer menus and buttons than other programs that were reviewed.  It was surprising that so much functionality could be fit into such a simple screen interface.  Ease of use is clearly one of the strongest points of the program.

Teaching Tools: Good

Fluenz uses more video more the other programs we reviewed. This made it possible to  blend instruction from the tutor with phrases and words that display on the screen as she teaches. In the activities, audio, images and quizzes are used to reinforce what you have learned.  The system uses no additional gimmicks or tricks and is straightforward.

Word Tools: Excellent

Fluenz provides a very simple glossary that includes some of the most commonly used Spanish words that will be learned during the program.  Most of the vocabulary words that are learned are learned directly from the program, making the need for additional word tools unnecessary.

Help/Support: Good

Fluenz provides good support. The FAQ and user manual are easy to use and informative. There are demos to help you understand the inner workings of the program, and Fluenz also has email support .

Summary:

Fluenz has provided a workable system for learning Spanish. With a combination of a simple interface, well planned lessons and multiple-media curriculum, Fluenz manages to make the Spanish learning process somewhat simple.

A complete side-by-side comparisons chart with our other ranked and reviewed products as well as a full list of product overviews is availble on the

Spanish Software Reviews page

Read the reivew for our Top Ranked Product here