VocabAhead is a GRE, SAT, ACT Vocabulary prep program. The videos and mp3s can be played on a computer with a dvd-rom drive. The dvd-rom may or may not work on a traditional dvd player. The cool thing about the VocabAhead mp3s (audios) and mp4s (videos) is that they can be loaded onto an ipad, ipod, itouch, iphone…. The mp3s can be listened to on any mp3 player. Students and teachers can also utilize the Study Room on the VocabAhead website to enhance the learning experience with quizzes, videos, and flash cards.
At first glance, this sounds like a great program, and it may be for some people. For our home, the negativity and political undertones in the videos and vocab “explanations” made VocabAhead a product that we would not use with Munchkin. I also didn’t care for some of the illustrations. (Note: the videos contain an illustration with the vocab word and definition accompanied by the audio.)
When I found myself struggling with some of the vocab videos, I asked D to look over them to see if I was just being too sensitive. After he viewed a selection of videos, he found that not only were the videos negative and containing political undertones, but they also misused some of the words. He found that the little stories/explanations ended up going on rabbit trails from the original vocab word. He was not impressed, and he didn’t care to have Munchkin learn from this particular vocab program.
Another issue I had with the program was that I had to individually click on each video instead of being able to just click “next”. It would be nice to have a more fluid, user friendly interface on the dvd. This may not be a big deal for some people, but I want Munchkin to be able to easily use the program instead of having to go back to the folders and click on the file name to view the next video.
The nice thing is that VocabAhead offers many, many free videos on their website, so you can determine if this program is right for your family.
VocabAhead is available in book form with downloadable video and audio files ($12.95) or as a dvd-rom which contains the video and audio files $24.99.
I received a copy of the VocabAhead dvd-rom as a member of the TOS Crew to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. All opinions are my own.
I agree totally. Not impressed. :0/
Sheri recently posted..TOS Crew Review- VocabAhead 1000 SAT Vocabulary Videos and MP3s DVD for computer use
Thanks for reviewing our DVD Heather. With the shear number of words (more than 1000) it seems as if our editorial checks have faltered a bit. We will be editing our DVD and the next version will be more suitable for all families alike. Also for sorting the videos and creating play lists, you may use Windows Media Player, Real Player or iTunes. You just need to drag and drop the audio or video files into your Media player and then sort the files as you would sort your songs. Thanks again!
VocabAhead recently posted..VocabAhead TOS Crew Reviews