1. Harry Carley, Matsuyama University, Ehime, Japan
Comparison: Language Lab vs. Computer Room - How can they differ in Language Learning?
Harry Carley, Matsuyama University, Ehime, Japan

2. Computers in general can be utilized in a variety of ways for an assortment of functions and instructional classes.

3. Today’s modern technology allows for a broader and richer learning environment from even five years ago.

4. Unfortunately, many elder instructors still utilize teaching ideals from 10 or 20 years ago.
To be an instructor in the age of the Internet means to blend solid older teaching methods into these modern times.

5. For language learning this ultimately curtails the implementation of computers in some form.

6. Language Lab
Previously, language labs were genuinely nothing more than classrooms with audio capabilities and occasionally recording equipment installed.
Row upon row of desks with headphones was available for the instructor to utilize in course work.
Occasionally tests and exams would be given in similar fashion with students listening and marking the correct answer on a sheet.

7. Language lab
The original idea of a language lab still carries over into computer equipped classroom.
There is normally a central control area where the instructor can monitor each individual user’s work and progress.
They are also typically equipped with headphones for freedom of speech between student and teacher or student to student.

8. Language lab
Overall performance enhancement in language learning can be cited as an advantage for usage of language labs. The language lab makes most efficient use of time, improving the teacher/student time ration and allowing the instructor to maximize the use of time in a given lesson (Singh, 2013).

9. Language lab Major advantages
Usually headphone and microphone equipped, allows for easy communication of student to student, and student to instructor.
Due to this, sound clarity is most often excellent or superb.
The instructor most often sits at a master panel that controls all the other devices. Internet access may be shut off to keep students on task.

10. Language lab
The control panel and main monitor allows the instructor to view which students are doing what task or also to ensure that they are on the correct Internet page.
Objectionable material may be shut out since the instructor has ultimate control over all computers.
Students are still able to work independently (recording their voice, etc) or with pair work (conversations).

11. Point:
Having students plop down in front of computers in an appropriate learning environment without quality lessons can easily lead to dismal results.

12. Computer room
A computer room while ideal for providing technology and Internet access may not be most advantageous when it comes to conducting language lessons.
Realistically most teaching institutions strive to get the most for their money; if this means being able to utilize class rooms for an assortment of subjects and lessons then so much the better.

13. Computer room
Computer rooms are usually just that, rooms that most often have freely independent Internet accessible computers.
A learner can come in, sit down and commence with whatever task or project they desire.
Two or more students can be working on a similar project but at the same time be researching on different pages on the Net with no interference from anyone else.

14. Computer room
Individual pace and progress is a non issue as long as students can accomplish the given tasks and assignments in the allotted timeframes.
If they are unable to complete their work it is not a problem, as work can be saved on a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or plugged into any other computer whether it is another school computer or in a residence.
The liberty to save and take school work anywhere is almost effortless.

15. Computer room
Instructors who most often have one computer for their own usage that is hooked up to monitor - can explain examples, review past assignment or other tasks.
Students are readily able to work alongside the instructor and or at their own pace.
As student work progresses the teacher can then walk around the instructional area and give support individually.

16. -- if it is on a bus or train, or in the school cafeteria or library.
Computer room
This mitigation of movement has broadened even more with SMART devices that allow students to access their school work where ever they be;
-- if it is on a bus or train,
or in the school cafeteria or library.

17. Computer room
Contact and submission of work to the instructor may be accomplished anytime. Likewise the instructor can communicate with individual learners or the entire class through school , social networking or other sites.

18. Computer room
This allows the instructor to return homework, ask follow up information or announce any course changes or assignments. The computer class room has now become a free roaming virtual Internet space that is open 24/7.

19. Computer room
Wi-fi technology allows for ANY classroom to become a computer room but not necessarily a language lab.
Instructors need to be aware of the differences and capabilities of each, computer room and language lab.
Today’s educational climate is increasingly diverse (Deepika, & Kalaiarasan, 2012).

20. It is important to keep in mind that computers regardless of which fashion they are utilized in are only a tool to assist in teaching and not an instrument to supersede the instructor.

21. Deciding whether to fully employ a singular functioning language lab or a more multipurpose computer room can be formidable as each can offer differing opportunities for learning.

22. My personal experience
Language labs -
Are fine with language learning activities (speaking, recording, etc.).
When we access the Internet the computers become bogged down. This is a system fail and needs to be upgraded so more users can access at the same time.
If the class is too large it is still difficult to monitor all students. Many students resort to L1, in this case being Japanese. They chat with their friends over the headsets.

23. My personal experience
Computer room
I am unable to monitor students.
I can not see their computer screens. They make be working on a task or watching a Japanese baseball game.
When I am talking occasionally students will browse the internet.
The rooms I use for teaching are multipurpose and not specifically for language learning.

24. With the advent of more mobile computing available along with budgetary constraints for many school administrations, the final decision has the possibility of being beneficial or costly in many ways.

25. Conclusion Please refer to my conference paper
for more detailed information.
References
Deepika, V., & Kalaiaraasan, M. (2012). The Role of Language Lab in Learning English as a Second Language. Journal of Technology for ELT. Vol. II, No. 2. April Retrieved from:
Singh, S. (2013). Language Laboratory: Purposes and Shortcomings. Journal of Technology for ELT. Vol, 3, No. 1. (January – March 2013). Retrieved from:

26. Thank you Harry Carley Matsuyama University Ehime, Japan