A proposal for the revitalization of the World Language Laboratory

Language classrooms Photo downloaded from: then:now: Photo downloaded from:

Languages are learned: through interaction through active expression at different rates by different students from authentic sources with lots of practice!

Language learning requires: TIME Image downloaded from: IMG]

Authentic sources: Native speakers Literature Media sources Music

…and the facilities in which to learn… to practice … to collaborate with other learners… to solve problems… to create with the language… Listen … read …. speak ….. communicate !

How can we provide this?

A NEW state-of-the-art Language Learning Laboratory!

Language learning with technology: Exposes student to large amounts of authentic language (written, spoken, visual) Allows students to proceed at their own pace) Provides more practice time (Frommer, 1998)

Our existing language laboratory: 24 student stations Headsets and tape decks Teacher’s console Photo credits: Sarah Viets May, 2009

What our lab CAN do: Photo credit: / Photo credit: Photo credit: Image downloaded from: Image downloaded from:

Photo credit: Paired student dialogues Photo credit: Image downloaded from: View DVD or VHS videos CD and tape listening activities Image downloaded from: Internet BUT Some stations have microphones that do not work. Students cannot control the device. Not all the headphones work. Students cannot control the device. Students can view only – teacher controlled. Photo credit: We can:

Students cannot: Rely on the headsets to work properly. access the internet from their work- stations. control the media being used (CD, DVD, etc.). pace their own learning. record and listen to their own voices (and receive feedback). use word processing. communicate with each other in written form. get the teacher’s attention without shouting or waving their hands. There is a lot that we CANNOT do!

Our existing language laboratory: 4 sets of headphones do not work 2 monitors do not work = only 18 fully working stations Teacher’s console – frequently freezes and must be shut down and restarted. NO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE No keyboards! Photo credits: Sarah Viets May, 2009

STUDENT control over their own learning: Recording capabilities Self assessment Podcasting Viewing control Rewind control Internet browsing control Collaborative opportunities Use of software programs

New lab with individual internet access: Research using online databases and websites Use wikis, blogs, e-boards and skyping Access authentic media sources Interact with native speakers Use latest software Access online grammar practice exercises and activities Communicate with classmates in written form

Communicative tasks made easier with technology: Photo credit: persuade debate chat assess share listen

Performance Assessments: Students can: use word processing software to produce text documents. use presentation software to produce research on cultural topics record spoken language individually, in pairs or groups and receive teacher or peer feedback access wide variety of media from stations work collaboratively to produce any of the above

What is out there?

What is out there? ReLANpro – all digital software based language lab. “World’s first truly green language learning system.” Image downloaded from:

What is out there? SANAKO Image downloaded from:

What is out there? Sony Virtuoso™ Digital Language Learning System Photo downloaded from:

What is out there? Images downloaded from:

Is it worth it?

¡Sí! Iyeh Sì! Oui! Yes!

Sources Caula, Ana Maria, and Eva Tsuquiashi-Daddesio. "The Sony Virtuoso/Soloist Multimedia Language Learning System: Dream or Nightmare?." International Journal of Learning Vol. 12, No. 4 (2006): May Frommer, Judith. "Cognition, Context, and Computers: Factors in Effective Foreign Language Learning". pp in Judith A. Muyskens, ed. New Ways of Learning and Teaching: Focus on Technology and Foreign Language Education. AAUSC Issues in Language Program Direction. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle, Hallam, Maura Kate. "Language Labs: A 21st Century Tool for 21st Century Learning." Language Educator November (2008): May Kyeung Kim, Hoe, and Dorothy Rissel. "Instructors' Integration of Computer Technology: Examining the Role of Interaction." Foreign Language Annals Vol. 41 No.1 (Spring 2008): Stepp-Greany, Jonita. "Student Perceptions on Language Learning in a Technological Environment: Implications for the New Millenium." Language Learning and Technology Vol. 6, Num. 1 (January 2002): May Williams, Lawrence. "Web-Based Machine Translation as a Tool for Promoting Electronic Literacy and Language Awareness." Foreign Language Annals Vol. 39 No. 4 (Winter 2006):