--- Forwarded Message from John de Szendeffy <[log in to unmask]> ---

>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>References: <[log in to unmask]>
>From: John de Szendeffy <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #8280.8 (!)Lab Construction
>Date: Fri, 4 Aug 2006 14:13:59 -0400
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum   
<[log in to unmask]>

Our labs are open horseshoe in configuration to accommodate student- 
student interaction and teacher observation and circulation. We have  
barriers that extend out just to the edge of the desk and just above  
the monitor height (eMacs). I have found that these barriers provide  
only the impression of visual privacy and no acoustic isolation,  
because they do not extend out far enough. We don't mind because our  
students (ESL) have to learn to focus on the language in an  
environment with lots of background sounds in authentic contexts  
anyway. It seems that  the more effective a barrier or screen is for  
acoustic isolation the more it's going to impede or discourage  
interaction. It depends on what your teaching goals are. We happen to  
be more interested in accommodating interaction.

-John
___________________________________________
John de Szendeffy
Multimedia Language Lab
Center for English Language and Orientation Programs
Boston University
890 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd floor
Boston, MA 02215  USA
ph			617.353.7957
fx			617.353.6195
lab			http://www.bu.edu/celop/mll/
personal		http://people.bu.edu/johndesz/

"A Practical Guide to Using Computers in Language Teaching"
http://www.press.umich.edu/titleDetailDesc.do?id=97662

---------------------------
CELOP is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program  
Accreditation.  Accreditation by CEA signifies that an English  
language program or institution has met nationally accepted standards  
of excellence and assures students and their sponsors that the  
English language instruction and related services will be of the  
highest quality.
---------------------------

On Aug 4, 2006, at 1:10 PM, "Thea Rusthoven" <[log in to unmask]>  
wrote:

>
> Hello,
> I too am designing a new lab with just 12 stations, all around the  
> perimeter
> of a long, rectangular room.  I am wondering what people think of  
> having
> barriers/carrels, at least at the sides.  My tables are 4' wide and  
> I still
> think that students would like to have more privacy in speaking  
> exercises.
> Thea Rusthoven, Ph.D.
> Redeemer University College
> Ancaster, Ontario,
> Canada
>





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