The program powerspeaK12 has developed to learn French online is a basic and fundamentally sound approach to language learning. Created originally as an extracurricular activity to help children and students to learn languages and polished to match course standards, powerspeaK12 is a solid program that can help any learner improve their French skills.

Robert W. Blair PHD developed powerspeaK12 as a way to “blend the best innovations based on up-to-date understanding of linguistics and learning psychology.” Learning is based off what is called a “Diglot Weave.” A rebus is a sentence wherein familiar words and phrases are replaced with pictures. The Diglot Weave is modeled after the rebus, but it introduces foreign words in addition to the features of the rebus.

With the extensive use of the Diglot Weave, the powerspeaK12 is very powerful in their learning program, even if it does appear somewhat plain. The basic approach to teaching French comes down from a good deal of research on the subject and allows the student to grasp the language more fully. The teaching process is also sound and engaging, if you can get past the elementary school feeling.

Apart from basic teaching tools, many interactive games and activities are available throughout the course, as well as periodic tests and quizzes to check your progress.

The materials for powerspeaK12 are included in the purchased program. No additional books, software, audio files, or other materials are offered.

The community scene at powerspeaK12 is almost completely absent. The courses are geared toward individual students and their learning needs and do not incorporate student interaction. A tutor is provided, should you select that option, that can give you one-on-one feedback regarding your progress and is able to help you improve your skills. A community of learners is unavailable.

Technical support is widely available for powerspeaK12. You can contact them with questions at their phone hotline or email them with your questions. All lines of support are open from 7 AM to 7 PM MST, Monday through Friday. Also available is a mail service through which you can request products and services if you lack access to the other mediums.