--- Forwarded Message from "Edith Paillat" <[log in to unmask]> ---
>Subject: RE: #7458 seeking advice on language lab equipment and services
>Date: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:35:29 +1200
>Thread-Topic: #7458 seeking advice on language lab equipment and services
>Thread-Index: AcQQNOoCHMfDndlqT2ecoZGXYsdhMQA/IQqg
>From: "Edith Paillat" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: "Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum"
<[log in to unmask]>
Hello Kimio Tanihara
In response to your mail,you should read "Uniting Teachers, Learners and
Machines: language laboratories and other choices" by Sharon Guinn Scinicariello
in Technology-Enhanced Language Learning, page 185.
We, at the Language Learning Centre, Victoria University of Wellington, are
currently implementing a computer lab and here are my considerations as project
manager :
> 1. PC or Mac
*** In my experience the most important factors are :
- Your budget : A Mac system is more expensive upon original purchase but far
more stable than a PC environment.You will save in the long run with support.
Macs are also recognised to offer multimedia quality beyond what PCs can do.
However PCs are catching up fast on the matter and more multimedia applications
are available for PCs only.
- your IT support team : it is far easier and less troublesome to conform to an
existing platform within your institution. If there are no specificty, check the
quality of the support expertise you can get from your colleagues. It is
essential for the well functioning of a computer lab that demands punctuality in
support.(Imagine a general crash during a class/exam)!
- the proficiency of your lab users (teachers /students) in using either Macs or
Pcs (generally the latter). Basic training is costly and time-consuming, if you
are teachers are keen and have time on their hands (which is very unlikely)they
will need to learn everything from scratch, new applications as well as new
methods of teaching, it is a lot of intake, plan ahead ! As a general rule, "the
mass" feel more confortable with PCs since they are more common on the market
and tend to be in every home.
- the specifity of the software you want to use (commercial language software,
audio/recording software, video, etc..); you will of course find software for
both systems, however (less) common applications and language software are at
first made for PC OS, and if lucky developers may design a later Mac version,
following demand.
> 2. What commercially available equipment and software for
> paired, grouped, etc. listening/communication and student projects are best.
*** I am intending to use NetOp to allow tutor to monitor the classroom from
their desk. (screen sharing application). I have tested it and it offers privacy
between tutor and student, complete control over student workstations (if need
be!) such as screen locks and message on all or one montitor, student
collaboration, demos from either tutor or student, etc..
http://www.crossteccorp.com/netopschool/
I am currently considering an audio (video) with recording possibilites to
provide similar functionality than the Tandgberg we are replacing : then again
it all depends on your budget and what your curriculum's prioritiesand teachers'
teaching styles (short listening, text listening + reading, recording,
task-based activities involving 4 skills without having to open multiple
paplications); this what I am contemplating :
- Virtual Language Lab http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/keylink/vll/vll.htm (despite
the horrible website, very functional integarting audio and video as well as
text, + easy authoring capabilities..)
- E-Langlab http://www.elanglab.com/ design for listening and recording with
teacher monitor.. ( I need to look at it)
- Lavac : for intensive listening work. Allows the sequencing of audio and video
for short viewing/listening and allows sound to be slowed down..
http://www.lairdil.iut-tlse3.fr/ftp/Toma/LAVAC/PRESENTATION/PRESENTATION.htm
(scroll down the page for English)
-
> We are considering products from the vendors such as LinguaTronics,
> Tandberg, CAN8, Sony, etc.
**** They are very expensive but possibly very efficent...
Hope this will help in taking your decisions.
Best regards
****************************
Edith Paillat
Language Technology Specialist
Language Learning Centre
Victoria University of Wellington
P.O.Box 600, Wellington
New Zealand
+64 4 463 5792
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/llc
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