sábado, 19 de enero de 2013

BBC Learning for adults

It was Larry Ferlazzo (who else?) who reminded me of BBC Learning for adults just before the Christmas break. So I decided to have a fresh look at the BBC's good old site.

First of all, I was reminded that BBC Learning for adults is not exclusively for language learners, but as the name of the site proclaims, for adults who want to learn, which comprises both native and non-native English speakers.

Having made that clear, I think that  BBC Learning for adults offers numberless options for the English language learner to benefit from, including those resources intended for native speakers:

Webwise gives courses on getting familiar with all Internet-related issues. The videos are accompanied by a transcript.

Other courses include First Aid, Skillswise words (for adults who want to improve their literacy skills), Skillwise numbers (for those who want to improve their grasp of numbers), Job skills (for people who want to find out more about job-related practical skills).

Some other general courses include Gardening, Cooking, History, Ethics and language courses (Spanish, French, German, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, Chinese and 33 more langauges).

For the language learner, the most attractive section will be BBC Learning English. After revisiting the section I got the feeling that a language learner needs no other internet resource to keep up with English.

The systems of the language (pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar) are dealt with in a specific area. And both General English and Business English are cared for.

There are quizzes, video series, and a download section.

In short, a wealth of resources to keep you busy for a lifetime.

But don't take my word for it. Drop by BBC Learning for adults and judge for yourself.