--- Forwarded Message from "Warren Stokes" <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Date: Fri, 05 Nov 1999 10:29:30 -0800
>From: "Warren Stokes" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #5298.1 CAN 8 (!)

------------------
Hello,

I have just joined the list at the request of a current member, and would like to respond to the Kevin C. Carroll message.  Please excuse any newbie errors on my part.

The Modern Languages department of UCFV has been using the CAN8 system for about three years now.  The problems of integrating proprietary sound cards into PCs with traditional sound cards have been pretty much insignificant.  However, I must admit that this was probably more by luck than anything else.  All of our systems are running Windows 95/98, so I did not have to "negotiate" with NT, and all our PCs had an ISA slot available to hold a full length card.  I recognize that not all PCs have this design "feature."  

My biggest challenge was HOW to allow students to choose which sound card to use.  As all our PCs are multi-purpose, the students may be using a program such as Triple Play Plus (which uses the PC sound card) OR they may use the CAN8 system (which requires the CAN8 card).  I considered putting TWO sets of headphones at every desk, but this was confusing as heck for the students, and doubled my maintenance work.  I also considered allowing students to plug/unplug the headphones into the correct set of jacks on the back of the computer, but that also made me uncomfortable (theft of the headphones and accidental damage to the sound cards being my biggest concern).  Therefore, I opted to manufacture a pair of extension cables that are mounted on the student desk.  Students connect the headphones to the set of extension cables that are attached to the sound card they need to use. (Please note that all our language students receive a 30 minute orientation to the lab at the beginning of each semester).

My CAN8 rep tells me that they now have a solution that allows you to connect the CAN8 card to the PC sound card, then connect the headphones to the PC sound card.  I haven't seen it, but I assume it works.

The most promising feature of CAN8 that I like, is that it is TCP/IP based.  My CAN8 rep tells me that eventually, a version of CAN8 will be available that uses ONLY the PC sound card - no proprietary hardware required.  Be aware however, that this miracle solution will require some serious computing horsepower on the student side, as the system will have to compress and decompress audio on the "fly."  I am anticipating that we will use this solution to allow students access to CAN8 from more points than our main campus and especially from home.

Hope this helped.  If I can be of futher assistance, please ask!

Sincerely,

Warren

Warren Stokes
Educational Technologist
University College of the Fraser Valley
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
TEL: [604] 864-4644
FAX: [604] 855-7558

                --= Going a day without learning anything, =--
                --= is a sure sign you are probably dead.  =--

>>> LLTI-Editor <[log in to unmask]> 11/05 7:42 am >>>
--- Forwarded Message from "Kevin C. Carroll" <[log in to unmask]> ---

>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1999 13:27:39 -0500
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum               <[log in to unmask]>
>From: "Kevin C. Carroll" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #5298 CAN 8

------------------
I would like to thank everyone who took the time to answer my query in
regards to upgrading our language lab. I am following up on the suggestions
regarding the CAN-8 system.

However, the discourse has left me with two questions:

1) Since the CAN-8 system is a software and hardware solution, have any
users experienced problems with integrating the cards into your PCs? I
expect a digital system to hang or crash occasionally, but do you find
crashes to be excessive?

2) I'm still wondering if anyone is using a software only digital lab. I
realize this might not be feasible, but I would like to stay away from
using third-party cards in my PC's if possible.


Once again, thanks for all the great suggestions!

Kevin C. Carroll
Senior Systems Technologist

Wayne State University
Foreign Language Technology Center
385 Manoogian Hall
Detroit, MI 48202

313.577.0807 (voice)
313.577.3041 (fax)

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