--- Forwarded Message from Warren Roby <[log in to unmask]> --- >From: Warren Roby <[log in to unmask]> >To: "'Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum'" <[log in to unmask]> >Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:11:46 -0600 >Subject: RE: #9033.6 (!) Degrees >Thread-Topic: #9033.6 (!) Degrees >Thread-Index: AclynoeZXwdjmplLSMqkelVWIYOWqgEtyYSQ >References: <[log in to unmask]> >In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> >Accept-Language: en-US >acceptlanguage: en-US I am one who deliberately got into the field because of good experiences using technology as a learner. My BA is in linguistics with minors in French and Spanish. I spent much time in the language laboratory (I am showing my age). A course I took while in my TESOL master's program (using the 3rd edition of Edward M. Stack's book) fired this interest. By the way, Ermal Garinger taught it. I had some brief, but positive, experiences with personal computing in the early 80s in Japan, I decided that for my Ph.D. I would study Educational Communications/Instructional Technology. My goal was to get a joint appointment as a professor and lab director. I applied for two jobs and was offered both. I got through the tenure and promotion process and took a sabbatical in Japan that gave me much time for reading and writing. I found that I did not miss the daily burdens of equipment and student employees. I was very tired of the politics of my stateside institution and wanted to get closer to my aging parents. I was able to make a move. In the process of starting a language program almost from scratch I was able to build a small lab (from absolute zero). So I have stayed involved in the field. Over my years I have noted a fairly high burn-out rate among lab directors and senior staff. I think one should have an educational background that allows one to do something else. Warren P.S. I will be at SOCALLT 2009 next month and hope to see some of the LLTI community there. Warren B. Roby, Ph.D. Professor and Chairman of Language Studies John Brown University 2000 W. University Siloam Springs, AR 72761 479-524-7309 (direct line) 479-238-8563 (FAX) [log in to unmask] http://faculty.jbu.edu/wroby/ -----Original Message----- From: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of LLTI-Editor Sent: Friday, January 09, 2009 3:07 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: #9033.6 (!) Degrees from [log in to unmask] LeeAnn's thoughtful comment was probably more useful than mine. She reminds me that I have long maintained that the three essential requirements for those of us in this business are: 1. Foreign language expertise (especially teaching) 2. A geek-like outlook... technological interest/expertise. 3. Management skills. I have seen folks do well without one or more of these requirements, but they nearly always had someone working with them who could complement them. Yes, there are degrees in each of these areas, but not in all three areas. The great SLA programs take care of "1", and while you're there you may work with "2" and you may get to work in a lab where you develop "3" That is if you're LUCKY and get to STUMBLE into this absolutely wonderful profession! Hope this helps. *********************************************** LLTI is a service of IALLT, the International Association for Language Learning (http://iallt.org/), and The Consortium for Language Teaching and Learning (http://www.languageconsortium.org/). Join IALLT at http://iallt.org. Otmar Foelsche, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask]) ***********************************************