1001 How-Tos

November 9, 2008

How to Choose the Best Software to Learn Italian

Filed under: Education — Tags: , , , — Johnny @ 10:04 am

Learning a new language has also reached the digital age. These days you can buy it and then learn Italian on our own time and pace. Since there are so many of them around, you should consider what to look for when you are out shopping for one.

The first thing you have to consider is your learning style. Do you need a program that has various exercises you can try out or do you want one that simply tells what is the meaning of the word in English and vice versa? Do you learn better reading the words or hearing them?

There is not one program out there that can make you speak Italian. For this to happen, you will have to get more one program because it is not enough to understand what someone is saying but most importantly, how you are able to express yourself to whoever it is you are talking to.

The only way you will know what software is available is for you to go to the local book store and looking for similar products online. You can also inquire or purchase a CD from a language learning center.

Keep in mind that language software have different levels from beginner, intermediate to advanced. If you have studied Italian in the past and simply want to freshen up, maybe you can skip the 1st level and then purchase either the intermediate or advanced.

Once you have found it, narrow your choices down to at least 5 then find out which one is really worth getting.

You can do that by reading the reviews that were written about it. You can also ask other users what they think about the program to find out if it is really good value for their money. If possible, try and test it yourself so you are not influenced by what people say but rather through your personal experience.

This will be easy for you to do since most of the software have a test or “lite” version which you can download for free. If there is no free trial available, see if you can borrow it from someone and test it at home. It is only when you learn something that you should consider buying the program.

Don’t forget to also check who made the program. It is best to only buy an Italian learning language software that is made by a recognized institution so you don’t waste your time and money using it. A few examples are Rosetta’s Stone, Berlitz International, Tell Me More, Talk Now and Magnum Language.

The truth is every language software available in the market has its strengths and weaknesses. List them down and then see which one you think can really teach you Italian.

If you still can’t decide which language software to get, try asking a friend or your former university professor for some help.

A lot of people say that it is easy to learn Italian but you shouldn’t take their word for it and instead find out if this is true.

Aside from language software, there are audio books, language courses and other training materials available so don’t rely on just one to learn Italian. As much as possible try them all because these will all help you speak and understand the language.

September 22, 2008

Learn To Draw And Paint

Filed under: Education — Tags: , , — Johnny @ 10:13 am

Everybody at some point in their life wanted to learn to draw and paint. Just by watching children, you could see that these skills are one of those that entice them during their early years. However, not all people decide to take this goal seriously, especially when adulthood comes around. Nevertheless, if you do want to develop this innate skill, it is still possible. Here are the basics that you have to know.

Drawing Versus Painting

One important factor that people do not understand is that drawing is different from painting. Thus, if you want to learn how to draw and paint, this means you have to develop two different skills. Drawing is generally defined as depicting a subject by the use of lines. On the other hand, painting is the art of coating surfaces with paint for artistic or utilitarian purposes.

Thus, the medium you’d be using would be the main difference along with the process itself. Nevertheless, these two disciplines are still related and most often combined to make an art work. Most of the time, drawing becomes a prerequisite of painting; although this is not always the case.

Drawing Basics

For you to start having drawing skills, you should constantly practice your hands and eyes. Do this by sketching. Constantly sketching is the best way for you to learn how to draw more artistically and professionally.

Remember that drawing is developed by constant practice of your hands. This is not improved by merely reading or acquiring whatever book based knowledge that is available. Thus, practice your hand to draw. Be very observant with your surroundings. Try to sketch things or people during your idle time. Doing this is really one worthwhile hobby that could pay off in the future.

Copying is your stepping stone in drawing. Get a model and copy it. It is all right to make mistakes. This is exactly what erasers are for any way. Also, do away with the notion that you need to have professional materials for your work to look good. A simple sketch book and basic drawing pencil and eraser would do.

Painting Basics

On the contrary, painting would entail appropriate materials so that your work would end up nicely done. You would need a couple of brushes that come in different sizes. You also need acrylic paint of various colors, but most importantly, you should have the primary colors, a bigger tube of white and black. However, if you do not want to buy a black tube, you could simply create your own. Do this by combining all the primary colors.

It is best to start with Acrylic paints because these are the easiest to work with. Thus, the general painting developmental stages would be mastering acrylics first before aiming to learn oils or water color. Also, this kind of paint is easily mixed with water. All you’ll need would be a glass or a bucket in which you would put the water in for cleaning purposes. You also use this water to keep your paint moist, it dries up quickly. A pallet is needed too. If you don’t have one, you can improvise by using paper plate that has Aluminum foil covering.

To start painting, you have to draw on your canvas first. Draw your subject and other details of the pictures’ environment. After this, add on the color using your paint. Keep on practicing by choosing different subjects. Also, try to experiment with the colors you’ve got.

Make full use of your pallet and create various shades of colors. Continue on sketching and painting like this and for sure your skill would start to develop in no time.

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