We, too, are looking for Mac software and have been investigating LangLab. I've copied below some of the answers to questions that we have asked Dr. Richard Laden, the contact person at LangLab. Mary Two questions: > Does the program allow pairing--if so, what does this "pairing" allow > them to do. The existing four modules don't, but we're developing another module that will. So far it allows pairing via a system where students "call" one another, but we're in the process of making it a full-blown pairing/grouping system that will implement various grouping methods, with the instructor able to intervene in a conversation. It will be superior to other such systems out there because it retains some of the features of other modules. For instance, the conversation can be recorded in segments, and the instructor can review it and insert comments in a segment that the students involved can hear later. Additionally, it will have the tools for presentation of materials, so that an instructor can use them as the stimulus for a conversation: e.g., "watch this video clip and discuss this topic," or "listen to this debate and comment on it." It will retain the lesson-item structure, so that a class can be a series of discussions (typically with changing group composition). > > Also, do you have plans for Langlab to use universal binary > code? This will make it work well on the Intel macs. Not sure I understand. LangLab runs on the Mac with Mac Java, it doesn't have to be translated by anything and there are no JNI libraries to worry about. From MacFixit.com: "pure Java applications require no code changes to run on Intel-based Macs." As I understand it, these boxes will launch Java without Rosetta. At 01:16 PM 5/1/2006, you wrote: >--- Forwarded Message from Duncan Charters <[log in to unmask]> --- > > >Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 21:22:09 -0500 > >To: [log in to unmask] > >From: Duncan Charters <[log in to unmask]> > >Subject: #8227 Looking for Mac language lab software solutions > >Initial testing appears to have confirmed that full-feature LAN-based >systems designed to run under Windows XP shuld be compatible with the new >Intel-based Macs. Emulation software (Virtual PC) could run these systems, >but was too slow compared to running natively on a PC. The new Intel Macs >can run XP natively, so speed is no longer an issue. Apple's free Boot Camp >public beta software enables XP on a Mac running OS 10.4 (Tiger) right now. >While bugs have been reported in the beta software, it is expected that OS >10.5 (Leopard), which we may see by fall, will have these ironed out. > >Renet's ReLanPro (distributed and supported by ASC Direct) is an example of >an XP-based system that should run on the new Macs. Any LAN-based system >running under XP should have this capability, so this could be an option >for other companies too (e.g. SANS, Genesis, Sanako). All the companies >would be wise to do some good testing, and they may not be willing to >support a hardware system that relies on beta software right now. However, >where there is a preference for Macs, this development has the potential >for giving the best of all worlds, so a little wait might be worth it. For >those needing to proceed right away, nothing's guaranteed but Apple would >have a lot to lose if its upgrade path to Leopard doesn't work out. It >appears to be mainly a question of timing now, rather than capability. > >Duncan > >Dr. Duncan Charters >Professor and Chair, Language Department >Principia College, Elsah, IL 62028-9799 >Telephone: (618) 374-5252 Fax: (618) 374-5465 >E-mail: <[log in to unmask]> > > > > >*********************************************** > LLTI is a service of IALLT, the International Association for >Language Learning, and The Consortium for Language Teaching and >Learning (http://consortium.dartmouth.edu). >Join IALLT at http://iallt.org. >Otmar Foelsche, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask]) >***********************************************