Shana’s post on New Year’s Resolutions and goals got me thinking about what I plan on changing in 2010 (which is literally around the corner!) Sure, there’s the usual past failed resolutions such as working out, loosing weight and eating healthy, so this year I may try something totally different.
I will still try to workout more and eat healthier, but I think that I’m going to dedicate more of my time in 2010 to brushing up on my Polish. I’m fluent in the language but my reading and writing skills are still at the elementary level at best. Ideally, I would like to sign up for a language class or maybe purchase Rosetta
Stone and see if I really get my money’s worth. Classes are offered at the Polish school through the Polish Embassy here in DC, so that might be an option.
Reviews for the Rosetta Stone are impressive and people are pleased with their products so maybe it’s worth investing in. These days, knowing another language fluently is a valuable asset in many job sectors. Maybe before I dish out money for a class or the Rosetta Stone, I should first try some free and cheaper resources that are out there on the web.
For example, xLingo is an online community for the exchange of foreign languages where you can register to offer yourself as an instructor of the languages you speak, as well as finding others that can teach you other languages. Mango is a site that lets you take language lessons for free and the interactive slides allow you to click on words to hear them spoken. I also found WizIQ, an online collaboration tool for teachers and students where you can create profiles and sessions for online tutoring. You can even find local tutors in your area and set up a meeting date.
I hope that in 2010, I finally get serious about brushing up on my Polish, at the very least take advantage of the free E-learning tools and Social networks that are out there.
