--- Forwarded Message from John de Szendeffy <[log in to unmask]> --- >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> >References: <[log in to unmask]> >From: John de Szendeffy <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: #8280.8 (!)Lab Construction >Date: Fri, 4 Aug 2006 14:13:59 -0400 >To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]> Our labs are open horseshoe in configuration to accommodate student- student interaction and teacher observation and circulation. We have barriers that extend out just to the edge of the desk and just above the monitor height (eMacs). I have found that these barriers provide only the impression of visual privacy and no acoustic isolation, because they do not extend out far enough. We don't mind because our students (ESL) have to learn to focus on the language in an environment with lots of background sounds in authentic contexts anyway. It seems that the more effective a barrier or screen is for acoustic isolation the more it's going to impede or discourage interaction. It depends on what your teaching goals are. We happen to be more interested in accommodating interaction. -John ___________________________________________ John de Szendeffy Multimedia Language Lab Center for English Language and Orientation Programs Boston University 890 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd floor Boston, MA 02215 USA ph 617.353.7957 fx 617.353.6195 lab http://www.bu.edu/celop/mll/ personal http://people.bu.edu/johndesz/ "A Practical Guide to Using Computers in Language Teaching" http://www.press.umich.edu/titleDetailDesc.do?id=97662 --------------------------- CELOP is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation. Accreditation by CEA signifies that an English language program or institution has met nationally accepted standards of excellence and assures students and their sponsors that the English language instruction and related services will be of the highest quality. --------------------------- On Aug 4, 2006, at 1:10 PM, "Thea Rusthoven" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > > Hello, > I too am designing a new lab with just 12 stations, all around the > perimeter > of a long, rectangular room. I am wondering what people think of > having > barriers/carrels, at least at the sides. My tables are 4' wide and > I still > think that students would like to have more privacy in speaking > exercises. > Thea Rusthoven, Ph.D. > Redeemer University College > Ancaster, Ontario, > Canada > *********************************************** 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]) ***********************************************