U.S. Army extends language-learning partnership
Awarded to Arlington, Va.-based Rosetta Stone Ltd., a subsidiary of Rosetta Stone Inc., the contract renewal will make free, online language learning available for a potential 1.4 million Army personnel worldwide, including those stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Participants will include members of the U.S. Army, as well as the Army Reserve, Army National Guard, and Army civilians.
The contract ensures that Army personnel will have on-demand access to 30 languages and continue developing critical language skills through Army e-learning, a component of the U.S. Army Distributed Learning System.
“I am pleased to continue the Army’s successful program with Rosetta Stone” said Col. Lawrence B. Smith, chief, institutional training, HQDA G-3/5/7. “It provides an effective, quality training tool that allows soldiers, leaders and Army civilians to learn critical foreign languages necessary in today’s complex operational environment.”
Since the contract began in September 2005, Army personnel have logged more than 500,000 hours of online Rosetta Stone language training. Each month, approximately 4,000 new soldiers register for the program.
Language learners have access to the training over a secure Web connection. Military units without reliable Internet access can request a network version of the program that is loaded directly onto computers for the study of Arabic, Pashto and Farsi.
The training helps develop language proficiency by linking new words to real-world objects and events. Training draws on a software program that includes the Dynamic Immersion method. This method immediately teaches learners to think in a new language by connecting words with vivid imagery in real-life contexts to convey meaning. The program’s carefully sequenced structure, use of native speakers and ability to provide instantaneous feedback teach new languages without memorization, translation or grammar drills.
For more information about online language learning, visit http://www.RosettaStone.com /.
