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

>Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2001 09:14:22 -0400
>From: Leslie Graul <[log in to unmask]>
>Organization: Thiel College
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum     <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #6296 Lab User Orientations
>References: <[log in to unmask]>

We used to utilize video to create orientation sessions that students could
watch if they'd missed the one scheduled for their class.   But whenever there
was a change in equipment or materials, the video had to be edited or remade.
Also, the staff had to supplement the video with a detailed explanation of how
the student's assignments differed from the norm.  Several years ago we
replaced video technology with PowerPoint.

Now we utilize PowerPoint when we give the orientation, as a way to inject
humor (?) and to better illustrate all those things we want the students to
learn to do.  We can easily change a few slides to reflect small changes in
textbooks, media, equipment, and our services.  We use the custom show feature
to tailor the presentation for each group.  The show is then ready for everyone
who missed the class session to use as a tutorial, on his own time.  Since we
have not created a separate file for each group, we start the custom show that
the student needs to use. That takes seconds, as compared to the 20-35 min it
takes to give some of the orientation sessions.

Using a digital camera, or inserting video clips, you can show your students
anything you want them to see.  You could add a narration, or do it all with
text.  Instead of creating one big presentation and using custom shows for each
group, you could prepare a separate presentation for each class or group.  Then
set each to run as a show.  Your staff might enjoy helping to prepare the
presentation....some of my student managers seem to enjoy creating
presentations for the training and orientation sessions they give to the
student workers.   Best of all, it costs only your time.

LLTI-Editor wrote:

> --- Forwarded Message from "Primov, Rachida S" <[log in to unmask]> ---
>
> >From: "Primov, Rachida S" <[log in to unmask]>
> >To: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
> >Subject: Lab User Orientations
> >Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2001 12:51:12 -0400
>
> Dear Colleagues,
>
> We currently spend the first two or three weeks of the semester conducting
> lab user orientations to students enrolled in foreign language classes.
> This practice represents a huge expenditure of staff time and decreases the
> availability of the Lab for regular uses.
>
> We would like to prepare video or audio material which can be accessed
> individually in used as a tutorial for how to use the Lab services.  We are
> considering creating a video, an mp3 or MPEG file, or any other medium.
>
> I have received a quote from Tegrity for a Tegrity WebLearner Platform for
> $24,800.  This is completely beyond my budget.
>
> Can any of you suggest alternative or sources for creating Lab User
> Orientation Modules?  Any idea or suggestions will be welcomed.  I also
> would like how other labs handle orientations for their users.
>
> Thank you very much.
>
> Rachida Salama Primov
> The Eleonore Graves Tripp Foreign Languages Laboratory, Director
> University of Miami
> Phone: (305) 284-4858 X 8-7228
> Fax: (305) 284-2225
> Email: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
> http://www.fll.miami.edu