Preston Community School, a secondary school in Yeovil, Somerset, has boosted its pupils' language learning skills following a successful pilot scheme of Rosetta Stone's online language learning. < ?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

80% of pupils of mixed ages and abilities, including those with literacy and/or behavioural problems, that evaluated the online French, German and Spanish programs claim to have learnt new language skills, consolidated previous learning, and are keen to continue using the software.

The online courses were introduced in computer classes, language lessons and after school clubs. Passwords were also allocated so that pupils could continue learning at home, thereby gaining the support and encouragement of their parents. The objective of the e-learning pilot was for pupils to learn new language skills and grammar structures and to support previous learning.

Rosetta Stone's Dynamic Immersion method stems from two core beliefs: that the natural way people learn their native language as children remains the most successful method for learning new languages; and that interactive technology can replicate and activate immersion-based learning that is a powerful method for learners of any age.

The wide range of units on offer meant that pupils were able to find the ability level at which they were happiest working, as well as choosing the content they found most interesting. Pupils were monitored using the online tracking system and marked for each unit completed. Many took great pride in their scores, which introduced a competitive element and encouraged them to continue learning at home.