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]>
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