The English Initiative is a complete, multimedia-based course that is ideal for use in an academic or home study context. The five levels have been developed for students at the beginning through advanced levels. Components for each level include two CD-ROMs, a full-color Student Guide in text/workbook format, an Audio Cassette, and a comprehensive User's Guide that provides technical and tutorial help. A storyline, featuring native and nonnative speakers, proceeds through each level. Screen icons allow students to role-play individual characters, check definitions of key words, and sharpen their listening comprehension, reading and writing skills through interactive exercises. Other unit parts in the CD-ROMs allow students to focus on key grammar concepts and number skills.