my kids (ages 3 and 6) are beginning to learn chinese. i am looking for useful materials and strategies to get them fluent. i don't speak chinese. one thing that helped a lot in learning spanish (their second language) was spanish language education software that targets native spanish speakers ages 3 to 5. does anyone have any recommendations both for the chinese educational software of this type and how to buy it when you don't speak chinese. there is absolutely nothing more daunting than a chinese language web site.
posted by alcahofa on Nov 21, 2009 - 20 answers

The best way to go from knowing how to put a computer together out of the box but nothing else, to understanding how the 'innards' work? [more inside]
posted by malibustacey9999 on Oct 5, 2009 - 13 answers

Is it reasonable to expect that I can develop reasonable proficiency at piano/keyboard with 30 minutes to an hour of practice each day for a few months? [more inside]
posted by DMan on Sep 25, 2009 - 12 answers

What can I learn? (On a semi-flexible schedule). I'm in Montreal & would like to take a class in something. My problem is this: I feel like learning something new, but whenever I see a local/ community class that interests me, the date/time is usually inconvenient. I would love to have a list of instuctors (teaching either small groups or one-on-one would be ideal) of a wide range of topics who I could just call & set up a series of lessons. [more inside]
posted by Laura in Canada on Sep 24, 2009 - 5 answers

What's the best way to learn Japanese, if you don't care about being able to write it? [more inside]
posted by Mwongozi on Aug 30, 2009 - 18 answers

You play the piano fairly well, you've had lessons, you enjoy it and when I tell you that I'm learning the piano you tell me that looking back on all the years of lessons and practice, the one thing that helped you the most of all was ________, and the thing that you felt was a biggest waste of your time was ________. [more inside]
posted by HopStopDon'tShop on Aug 27, 2009 - 18 answers

I'm looking to pick up an instrument. What would you recommend that doesn't cost too much to buy and maintain, is fairly easy to learn, can be self-taught (i.e. with online resources/videos), and works well as a solo instrument? [more inside]
posted by sciencemandan on Aug 25, 2009 - 29 answers

Grad school language requirement filter: which French philosophers are (relatively) easy reading in the original French? [more inside]
posted by Beardman on Jun 15, 2009 - 9 answers

Japanese Classes/Bootcamps in Los Angeles? I'm looking at possibly spending a lot of time in Japan in little over a year, I'm going to be studying very intensely on my own as well. I'm worried that I'd sign up and pay for a class and it be kind of casual and not geared towards those looking to really learn the language. Thanks!
posted by mattsweaters on May 28, 2009 - 1 answer

What's the best way to teach my daughter to read? [more inside]
posted by lexfri on May 16, 2009 - 35 answers

I really like Paul Kelly's mandolin recording, "Varmland Waltz," on the muji website. Help me learn to play similar music, either from sheetmusic or by ear from recordings, on my mandolin. I've got jig skillz and reel skillz, so I can handle music that's intermediate to challenging, I guess.
posted by billtron on May 9, 2009 - 2 answers

Is there a way to output midi data from MAC or PC so that I can have one in a series of LED lights light up when the corresponding note is played? I would like to learn playing keyboard by example, have seen the casio lighted keyboards, but I heard these keyboards cannot play midi's that I download online.
posted by mikesmeta on May 5, 2009 - 7 answers

Help me choose a musical instrument to learn! [more inside]
posted by btkuhn on Apr 18, 2009 - 33 answers

I have always been horrible at math, but somehow a great programmer. I have found that writing a computer program that demonstrates a certain mathematical concept enables me to better understand the concept. I'm a psych major and I brought this up once in the research lab I've been working in. My prof said he recalls that someone did research and/or created a system in which a student writes a computer program that is pertinent to a certain mathematical concept and upon completion is given the regular math problem (as it would appear in a math class). This enables the student to better understand the math problem, solve, and learn math. Has anyone heard of this or anything similar? A learning system such as this would be a blessing to my education. Thanks.
posted by fightoplankton on Apr 13, 2009 - 15 answers

I'd love to get tips/resources for 1) learning more about the Chinese language and culture for work travel, 2) doing graphic design for a Chinese audience and 3) learning more about working with Chinese writing (this was helpful, for example).* Thoughts? *Bonus points if anyone can tell me if there are any Chinese typefaces I could access that have a particularly whimsical, fun, or child-like feel. [more inside]
posted by miss lynnster on Apr 12, 2009 - 12 answers

I have recently run across a large cache of hong kong film posters from Thailand circa 1970s. I am thinking of buying them and am trying to research if they have any value. I am not getting great results from the internets. Any brain power out there that might point me the right way?
posted by citybuddha on Mar 27, 2009 - 2 answers

I'd like to learn Japanese and I'm looking for book recommendations, especially for someone who can read Chinese. [more inside]
posted by pravit on Mar 21, 2009 - 12 answers

How can I improve my ability to explain things better? This could be anything from describing a film I watched yesterday to a friend...to explaining technological solutions such as GPS, or 'RSS feeds' to non-technical managers at a business. Are there any basic rules with explanations which could help improve general explanation skills? Were you crap at explaining things but have now improved? How did you do it?
posted by razzman on Mar 9, 2009 - 20 answers

Looking for the best Spanish audio course that can be used while commuting and completed in a couple months. Only needs to cover the most useful material for travelling.
posted by canoehead on Jan 12, 2009 - 2 answers

How do I become a good CEO? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 10, 2008 - 30 answers

How do I get 'rock hard' Microsoft Office skills? [more inside]
posted by greytape on Oct 29, 2008 - 8 answers

I want to learn, from a teacher face-to-face, to use the various tools in an electronic (as in "dance," including hip-hop) music producer's arsenal. Do classes/lessons exist? How about in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by nitsuj on Aug 28, 2008 - 5 answers

Do you have some mnemonic you came up with to help memorize formulas or concepts in mathematics (particularly for university math)? Or was there a different way of looking at a concept that really helped it sink in? [more inside]
posted by Proginoskes on Aug 28, 2008 - 5 answers

Does anyone have any tips or strategies to help in learning a new language when living in a foreign country but not doing a formal study program? [more inside]
posted by andoatnp on Aug 8, 2008 - 14 answers

Applied Math Filter: Help me use math! I'd like to learn more about mathematics and it's practical applications - particularly in Computer Science [more inside]
posted by dcbarker on Aug 1, 2008 - 13 answers

What is the best studio in Manhattan and/or Brooklyn for learning Swing/Lindyhop and WC Swing? Also what are the best boards where I can find a partner if I choose to later compete? [more inside]
posted by wildrain2008 on Jul 20, 2008 - 1 answer

Help a Perl/Python guy learn C# [more inside]
posted by wongcorgi on Jun 11, 2008 - 15 answers

How can I best learn the French language, grammar, and pronunciation? [more inside]
posted by christopherbdnk on May 26, 2008 - 16 answers

Suggest online or DVD resources for a new filmmaker to learn about lenses, film formats, shot composition, camera moves, dialogue staging, and other aspects of cinematography & directing? [more inside]
posted by pseudostrabismus on Apr 17, 2008 - 7 answers

How long does it take to learn the guitar? [more inside]
posted by CarlRossi on Mar 24, 2008 - 27 answers

What can I buy, download or find online to help me learn as much Polish as possible in the next ten days, with a budget of about £50? [more inside]
posted by Lebannen on Feb 20, 2008 - 9 answers

What's the best way to learn Dreamweaver at home? [more inside]
posted by clh on Feb 13, 2008 - 26 answers

I'm taking statistics math this semester, and I'm wondering if there be any geeky statistics math-related podcasts that will help me wrap my head around this tricky subject matter (and maybe even enjoy it). [more inside]
posted by survivorman on Jan 26, 2008 - 9 answers

I have an abundance of time this holiday week, and I finally got around to watching that Japanese t-shirt folding tutorial video and learning how to do it. I wonder, what other quick, easy, and cool time-saving tricks can I learn this week?
posted by nitsuj on Dec 22, 2007 - 11 answers

Hand-On SPSS training and modules. Hi all, I've got a rough (and I do mean rough) working knowledge of SPSS. Books and the like. I would, however, like to find a few places online where I could go through step by step and do various projects using SPSS and sort of train myself at my own pace. Modules, perhaps? Something that shows me various projects and how to do them (ex. cross tabs, etc.) Any and all input would be greatly appreciated!
posted by seeminglyshy on Sep 26, 2007 - 3 answers

How do I teach my wife to operate a manual transmission? [more inside]
posted by rush on Sep 17, 2007 - 24 answers

How long does it take to learn how to program for Mac OS X? [more inside]
posted by Ø on Jul 26, 2007 - 14 answers

*nixfilter: Help me get to the "root" of understanding the vastness that is a unix/linux environment. [more inside]
posted by Industrial PhD on Jul 10, 2007 - 23 answers

So, I want to work on my (admittedly lacking) singing skills. Is there any way I can do this online? [more inside]
posted by DMan on Jun 23, 2007 - 10 answers

I have a Spanish speaking friend who wants to learn English. Are there any easy audiobooks for learning basics? [more inside]
posted by edbyford on May 24, 2007 - 2 answers

(London, UK Filter) I am trying to find somewhere in London that might have a hands on program/session to do with electronics/robots/building. [more inside]
posted by jim.christian on Mar 9, 2007 - 1 answer

I want to learn how to learn more effectively and efficiently. What steps should I take to maximize my ability to master skills and retain information?
posted by TwelveTwo on Feb 24, 2007 - 14 answers

Wheres the best place to learn things like how to migrate a messy pile of microsoft access databases to sql? Normally when learning new I use books, online sources and forums, and good old fashioned trial and error, but its a slow process for some of us. As its easier learning from someone with experience in the field. are there any sites that go some way to addressing this teacher / student system online, aside from the usual forum formats, i was thinking of some sort of bartering system, but for knowledge not pigs?
posted by ugrndhg on Feb 17, 2007 - 3 answers

I’m planning on getting a linux virtual machine (something like linode) for webhosting, but I could use some tips and resources for getting started. [more inside]
posted by MetaMonkey on Jan 24, 2007 - 5 answers

I'd like to learn to drive as quickly as possible. How can I expedite the process? [more inside]
posted by wuzandfuzz on Jan 2, 2007 - 22 answers

What is the most direct way I can learn all about quantum physics? [more inside]
posted by MetaMonkey on Nov 29, 2006 - 34 answers

How do I pick a good university and course to learn Mandarin in China? [more inside]
posted by spiff101 on Nov 9, 2006 - 7 answers

Help me improve my PHP and MySQL skills with useful resources on the web. [more inside]
posted by MetaMonkey on Sep 25, 2006 - 10 answers

Can anyone recommend a book that fits the following description for an English-speaker starting to learn Spanish? [more inside]
posted by ed\26h on Aug 4, 2006 - 9 answers

Ukrainian or Polish: What language should I learn? [more inside]
posted by rinkjustice on Jun 22, 2006 - 16 answers