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

>Date: Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:15:35 -0600
>From: Derek Roff <[log in to unmask]>
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum
<[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #8502 Sign Language LAb setup

Obviously, faculty pedagogy, needs and desires are important in the 
design and specification of a sign language lab.  We have a large sign 
language interpreter training program at our university.  This supports 
a pool of students taking sign language acquisition courses, and a 
group of graduate students doing research on ASL and other aspects of 
signing.  Within the linguistics faculty, a majority of the professors 
have some involvement in sign language, and several focus on it.

In the design phase, more than ten years ago now, our faculty did not 
want many of the features of the traditional oral language lab. 
Leading up to our most recent renovation and equipment replacement, 
faculty agreed that they didn't use all the features that they 
originally requested.  What they asked for this time was faster, 
easier, more flexible access to the few features that they do use, and 
express little interest in more features.

Still very important in our program is tight integration with VHS 
tapes.  The majority of the materials purchased by the department for 
student use and instruction are still available only on VHS, we are 
told.  Teachers also find that they prefer to receive certain kinds of 
student work on VHS, including some homework and most in-class quizzes 
and exams.  This is obviously a problem since VHS equipment is 
disappearing.

Our current setup uses iMac computers and an Xserve server.  Each 
student station has an analog camera, a VHS VCR, an EyeTV video<>analog 
digitizer, with digital recorder software.  Computers are connected to 
an ethernet network and an RF analog video network.  Apple Remote 
Desktop software facilitates certain lab functions, and iChat A/V is 
sometimes used.

For our faculty's pedagogy, use patterns and goals, I haven't seen 
Sanako and Sony labs that are a good fit.  Perhaps I'll see something 
new from them at CALICO this year.  I will also be looking at what the 
LangLab folks have to offer, since it can run on various computers, and 
is substantially cheaper.

Derek

--On April 6, 2007 10:18:25 AM -0400 LLTI-Editor 
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi,
> do we have any American Sign Language people on this list who can
> help.
>
> The communications department is looking for a 20 place computer
> based lab set up to teach  ASL.
> They have seen the Sanoko 300 from Tandberg and heard about the Sony
> ASL set up.
>
> Seems the real problem maybe the video part.
>
> Any reactions, suggestions - on this list or in private are greatly
> appreciated.



Derek Roff
Language Learning Center
Ortega Hall 129, MSC03-2100
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
505/277-7368, fax 505/277-3885
Internet: [log in to unmask]

***********************************************
 LLTI is a service of IALLT, the International Association for
Language Learning (http://iallt.org/), and The Consortium for Language Teaching
and Learning (http://www.languageconsortium.org/).
Join IALLT at http://iallt.org.
Otmar Foelsche, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask])
***********************************************