--- Forwarded Message from dillo002 <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Date: Fri, 2 Feb 2001 22:30:53 -0600
>Sender: dillo002 <[log in to unmask]>
>From: dillo002 <[log in to unmask]>
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum               <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: RE: #5910.4 an all-digital Mac LL ? (!)

------------------
Check this webpage
http://llt.msu.edu/vol5num1/review3/default.html
This is an article about lab management softwares for mac
Michael
>
>
>We have had an all MAC language center since 1995.  We presently 
have 50
>i-mac computers (400Mhz, 256 RAM) running from a Cheetah NT based 
server.
>We appraoched the porject like you might building a stereo system.  
While
>you can get all Kenwwod parts and accrue certain advantages, we opted 
for
>flexibility that would allow us to get the best of whatever was out there.
>The Sony and Tandberg systems we loked at did somethings very well 
and
>others poorly or not at all.  One of the tandberg systems, for example,
>allowd for terrific teacher-student and student-student conferencing, but
>miultiple kids could only access a movie simultaneously if they all 
watched
>it together straight through.  Each kid couldn't control the movie -- bakc
>it up, pause, fast forward, etc.  Big disadvantage.
>
>A big disadvantage of our system is that the conferencing capability is
>very poor.  On the other hand, we use our LLC primarily to have the
>students work indpendently (although perhasp on a common exercise) 
or in
>pairs.  The teacher moves around the class and talks to kids individually
>face to face.  I have not missed the conferencing capabilikty. We use
>Network Assistant top administer our network and it does fine for most
>things except this one item.
>
>Everything else works great.  We use Sound Edit and Sound Studio for 
audio,
>the free ITunes to make Mp3's, a LaCie CD burner, Quicktime movies,
>SuperMacLang authjoring software (a simple yet powerful tool that's only
>$25 forf a site license), MPower and PowerPoint for teacher created
>presentations...  Kids do writetn an doral exercises, watch movies, 
watrch
>and make their own presentations, access the web...  Overall, we 
couldn't
>be happier with what we've got.
>
>Specific questions?  Write me a note...
>
>
>Henry Wilmer
>Director, LLC
>Phillips Academy
>Andover, MA 01810