I would add that Language Centers often serve the role of technology incubators on campus - Video Essays, Digital Storys, Video Project, iPads, Recording Exercises, Portfolios etc.  The physical space, staffing and relationships between faculty and staff make this possible.

- mike



_________________________________

Michael Jones
Director, Language and Media Centers
Swarthmore College

http://lmc.swarthmore.edu
610.328.8036

> On Feb 13, 2018, at 5:16 PM, Stephanie Kufner <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> Dear all,
> 
> I second all the things listed in the many answers, especially what Nelleke says about the LC functioning as a " hub and  intellectual home for a vibrant community ". We at Bard have been lucky enough to have the (also financial) support of the Dean which allows us to not only be the home and hub for all foreign language tutors but also to employ up to 20 mostly international students as representatives for  the languages and cultures we teach and foster at Bard as well as  ambassadors for those we do not teach. Thanks to the generous student labor funds we have been able to make the work and ideas of the students the linchpin of practical as well as intellectual activities at the center in collaboration with faculty, tutors and fellow students - making the LC one of the favorite community spaces for all students on campus. Our web page <http://flcl.bard.edu/resources/> for all and individual language programs and resources within the FLCL Program for all describes a bit of what they do - http://flcl.bard.edu/resources/ <http://flcl.bard.edu/resources/>
> 
> greetings
> Stephanie Kufner
> 
> On Mon, Feb 12, 2018 at 3:53 PM, Serafina De Gregorio <[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>> wrote:
> Dear All,
> 
> What is the rationale for the existence of language learning centers and labs in colleges and universities today? This is a question that seems to come up every 5 or 6 years at many institutions of higher learning. I have been asked by my university to put together a list of reasons why these facilites are still useful as well as the ways that they can be put to better use. I would appreciate your input concerning this topic.
> 
> Thank you so much for your help.
> 
> Dr. Serafina De Gregorio
> Director Language Learning Centers
> Fordham University
> Tel: 718-817-0798 <tel:(718)%20817-0798>'
> Fax: 718-817-0600 <tel:(718)%20817-0600>