--- Forwarded Message from Jerry McCune <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2000 09:26:39 -0500 (EST)
>From: Jerry McCune <[log in to unmask]>
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum    <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #5809 future for audio programs
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>

------------------

We have been facing the same issues at Indiana University. 
When we had the opportunity to upgrade the entire language
laboratory this past summer, we had long discussions with faculty
and did considerable research on available systems as well as
actual use by faculty and students over the past few years.
We decided on a diversified plan to accomodate those who wish to
continue using cassettes but to gradually migrate to web 
distribution and digital recording and record keeping.  

1) We installed a new audio cassette lab with all the goodies and 
included new Macintosh G4 computers in about half the stations 
to accomodate the need for Mac-based foreign language applications.
We check out lesson cassettes to students for use in the lab or to
copy on our small high-speed copiers so they may use them at home.
We loan some CDs for use in the lab but we're not quite ready to 
do large scale copying of CDs.

2) We acquired a new powerful web server to post our web page and 
include digitized audio exercises for the most heavily used language
courses.  This service is growing rapidly and is highly appreciated 
by students and faculty. The server will easily handle video streaming
as soon as innovative faculty wish to use it.  The students can now 
access most audio exercises in any computer lab on campus or on their
home computers.

3) We are now installing a new digital lab (Tandberg Divace) to 
provide the next step in the digital revolution in language learning.
This will require a lot of work and learning of new systems on the
part of the staff and faculty but we believe it will be a very
useful facility and provide exciting new possibilities in the use
of technology for language learning, instruction and research.

So, this is our solution for now.  The digital lab and especially
web-based distribution seems to be the way to go, especially for a 
large campus with several thousand language students each semester.
But on a large campus, there are also many who do not want to give up
on the audio cassette just yet.  

Good luck!

Jerry McCune

*****************************************************************************
  Jerry McCune, Director                   Phone: 812-855-0004
  Language & Computer Laboratories         E-mail: [log in to unmask]
  120 Ballantine Hall, Indiana University  Fax:812-855-5656
  1020 E. Kirkwood Ave.                    WWW:
  Bloomington, IN  47405-7103             http://languagelab.bh.indiana.edu
*****************************************************************************
  


On Tue, 7 Nov 2000, LLTI-Editor wrote:

> --- Forwarded Message from Jan Enright <[log in to unmask]> ---
> 
> >Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 11:15:26 -0700
> >From: Jan Enright <[log in to unmask]>
> >Subject: future for audio programs
> >To: "LLTI group (E-mail)" <[log in to unmask]>
> 
> I am interested in hearing how other institutions are handling the audio
> requirements for their language classes. For years we have duplicated audio
> tapes for students to use while they were enrolled in a language class. They
> were allowed to check out these tapes for the duration of the class, and
> then returned the set to the lab. All listening stations were removed from
> the campus, students worked in their own rooms. Now students tell me they do
> not have tape players, only CD players. Are you duplicating CDs for students
> to check out? Are you preparing the audio tracks to stream over a server? We
> are brainstorming, trying to decide which way to go. Is there a way we could
> share the process if institutions are using the same textbooks? Could
> publishers put the audio up on the web for folks to utilize, either for a
> small fee or by subscription? (or for free considering what the students pay
> for the text and workbook) As this is of interest to lots of folks, could we
> have this discussion open? If that is a problem, email me directly.
> 
> Jan
> 
> Jan Enright
> Colorado College
> Keck Humanities Lab Coordinator
> Information Technology Services
> Phone: (719) 389-6159
> [log in to unmask]