The language teaching faculty here at Grinnell have recently become  
concerned about students' use of online translation tools.  They've  
asked me to assist them in considering whether or not a policy to  
manage the use of such tools would be feasible, and if so, what the  
policy should be.  I have two questions for the list:

1. What translation tools are you aware of that students are or may be  
using to assist them in the completion of their foreign language  
writing assignments?
I'm aware of websites like Yahoo's Babel Fish (and other Systran based  
sites), Google's Translate tool, and message boards offering human  
translation for free and for pay.
I'm wondering if anyone is aware of and has dealt with tools that  
cater specifically to students.

2. At your institution is there a policy, or even a consensus,  
regarding the legitimate and illegitimate uses of these tools?

Please feel free to reply off-list.  Thanks for your help,
Mike Conner


Curricular Technology Specialist
Grinnell College
641-990-2843


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