--- Forwarded Message from Mary Toulouse <[log in to unmask]> --- >Date: Fri, 25 Mar 2005 11:15:49 -0500 >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]> >From: Mary Toulouse <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: digital labs >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> >References: <[log in to unmask]> HI folks, I've heard a lot of lab directors express concern about the prohibitive cost of replacing the equipment in their analog Tandberg or Sony labs. We at Lafayette have found a software solution, which we are quite happy with: Divace Solo, which is now called the Sanoko Media Assistant. There are three versions of the product, Duo, Solo and Lite. The Duo version is included with the digital lab and provides for monitor/intercom activities. Solo, however, includes all of the Duo features, but functions as a stand alone version and can be used on a PC without the expensive hardware traditionally associated with an analog lab. In other words, there is no monitor or intercom activity, but there are the text synchronization, Q & A, listen and repeat, record, bookmark features. We have developed a number of exciting uses and new courses, which include these activities. For realtime feedback, the faculty is quite happy circulating from station to station as opposed to "monitoring" student work from a central console. I purchased Solo in January, 2004 as an upgrade for $160 a seat. I just checked the current prices with our Sanoko, aka, Tandberg, rep. He told me that "the cost of Solo varies depending on quantity ordered, anywhere from $269 to $420. Site licenses are available for primary, secondary and higher education schools enabling its use on all PCs at that address." As I said, this product has worked quite nicely for us; unfortuately, I don't know of a similar product for Mac's. Hope this is of some help. Mary Toulouse, Director of the FLLRC Lafayette College Easton, PA 18042 Tel: 610 330-5265 Fax: 610 330-5656