* Language lab systems An exciting language learning
environment demonstrated!
* Space & curriculum An exciting proposal from the Office
of Instruction!
* Funding sources public and private, sooner and later
* ESL numbers sections and students
* Scheduling the lab Your immediate input invited!
I've been involved in research and meetings with many faculty, staff and administrators to move the language lab project along. Here are some recent highlights.
Genesis (formerly named X-Class) multimedia lab from Linguatronics was demonstrated to a small group in summer and a larger group Sept. 25, 2002. It runs on PCs running Windows OS. Everybody seems to be very impressed with this software solution, so I am pursuing the research of this product and getting itemized bids to facilitate phasing in the lab, if necessary. Some highlights:
Genesis: The Virtual PC Language Training Lab
· Use ordinary PCs to produce extraordinary results
· Used in over 500 sites
· State of the art technology
Easy To Use
· Communicate with every student
· Start/Quit/Monitor each student PC
· Control or share student screens
· Pair or group students
· Use on any networked PC
Smart Pen
· Allows teaching of any subject
· Point, circle, draw, etc.
· Teach the use of any software
Virtual Recording
· Record in "Master Track"
· Play/send pre-recorded audio to each student
· Teacher or Student Control of features
· Repeat/record, & all other standard lab functions
· Unlimited bookmarks to separate segments
Movie/Audio Broadcast
· Broadcast to individuals, groups, or entire class
· Send 1 to 120 different videos without network slowdown
Take a look at the interactive web demo at http://www.linguatronics.com/genesis.htm. It is really cool!
Mike Akagi, the Linguatronics rep, is arranging a site visit to the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, where they have 5-6 Linguatronics /Genesis labs. Ideally, observation of the lab(s) will take place while students and instructor(s) are using the system. (Possible date: Friday, Oct. 18.) Because of its features, apparent ease of use, cost, and responsiveness of service from Linguatronics, the Genesis software solution is more attractive than the other systems previewed, Tandem/Divace and Sony/Symphony, both of which require specialized hardware in addition to software.
Since E2-401 is equipped with Mac G3 computers, I am also communicating
with Apple Educational rep Tim Lin and Apple engineer Dane Riley.
They are providing information and specifications on systems that
run on the Mac platform. For details and to stay tuned for updates,
bookmark this page:
Language Lab Project http://www.missioncollege.org/depts/esl/langlabproj/
Space for a lab at Mission has been one of the hot issues. At the Sep. 12, when campus lab use was presented, it became known that E2-401, the Macintosh hands-on computer lab, is seriously underutilized. Immediately, I went to work at procuring E2-401 for an ESL language lab. Fortunately, there has been much support for this concept, including the offices of Technology and Instruction, among others, though it is always cautioned that "the college" needs to make such an important decision. Garnering college-wide support through the Instructional Technology and Facilities Committees is in the hopper.
In fact, at the Sep. 24 meeting, Dianne McKay proposed what she appears to be a win-win situation that responds to the space and curricular needs of ESL, FL and LATC. As I understand it, there are four main points germane to ESL.
1. E2-401: ESL language lab (or simply the language
lab). This would be equipped with a multimedia language lab system
(see language lab systems, below). If the 31 Macs are not used,
PCs will be installed. This set-up would best suit ESL needs for
classroom instruction. IIS and FL would also make use of this
set-up for instructor-led classes. In addition, ESL 112LS students,
who comprise a large number of students using the LATC, would
be use this lab (see ESL 112LS curriculum change, below).
2. S2-501: FL classroom. Round tables and chairs and some
computers might be set up in this room to serve the FL needs for
a cozier environment for learning and interacting in a FL. The
need for a cultural "home" is greater for FL students
than ESL students who are surrounded by the English language and
American culture.
3. S2-201 and adjoining rooms: LATC. With ESL 112 students
using E2-401, space and LATC staff time would be freed up so as
to enable LATC to serve not only FL tutoring needs, but also the
self-access needs of students enrolled in FL lab (similar to current
drop-in 112 lab but currently served in S2-501).
4. ESL 112LS 4.5 hours with an instructor. Instead of completing
the 1.5 lab hours in a drop-in self-access mode in the LATC, ESL
112LS students would be taught by an instructor in the new language
lab. At .063 load factor times the current 5 sections, this proposal
would require an additional .315 FTE and would need to be approved
through budget processes.
Fred Prochaska identified several potential public sources (e.g., 2003 Bond issue, future Title III grant) that could include funding for a language lab. Funding from these sources could be several years away.
Cindy Schelcher identified several potential private sources (e.g., Hewlett Foundation, Ebay, Juniper) and emphasized that a grant request must be written to fulfill the stated objectives of a particular foundation. For example, one objective is workforce development for economically disadvantaged. Funding from these sources might be in the less distant future.
Phil Pabich has approximately $80,000 in Community Education funds to contribute to a language lab solution that encompasses the needs of several related departments. There is urgency in committing these funds. Marji and Lin Marelick have identified other sources that could fund at least an early phase of the language lab project.