Classroom Technology
Language Laboratories | Marratech | Wimba | Softchalk | CE6 (Blackboard)
Language Laboratories
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The ELI program has three English language labs. Of the 121 classes that are offered by the ELI, 95% of them use the computer lab. The language lab has four part-time instructors, including an Instructional Technology Specialist. Instruction is tailored to each individual class with lab assignments designed to enhance the class content. |
Every lab is has: webcams, microphones, and headsets so students can record original audio and video segments while in the lab. The ELLC labs currently have 37 software programs available for use by students. Number of Stations in each lab: HR254: 25 student stations (+1 teacher)=26 HR332: 22 student stations (+1 teacher)=23 HR334: 23 student stations (+1 teacher)=24 Total Number of Stations: 73 | 
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Marratech
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Marratech is a virtual classroom option. Recorded Marratech sessions are housed within CE6 and are available to students for later review. |
The staff from the ELLC helped select this new virtual classroom option which provides students with synchronous classroom instruction and opportunities for live interaction between the instructor and students and between student group members. | 
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Wimba |
The Wimba voice tools have become an indispensible component for our pronunciation and conversation classes. The tools allow instructors and students to easily embed vocal interactions into a CE6 site. Because foreign students need to develop oral speaking skills, the ELLC has worked for years to develop conversation and pronunciation courses that incorporate oral production and assessment opportunities. | |
Currently, about 85% of the conversation and pronunciation instructors are using Wimba voice tools on their CE6 sites. The use of Wimba offers the following instructional advantages: Provides students with an easy way to record class assignments and assessments Provides instructors with a simple way to attach recorded feedback to a student sound file Allows the instructor to Import MP3 recordings Gives the instructors and easy way to store and transfer audio files (All recordings are kept on the Wimba server and not the CE6 server.) | 
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Softchalk
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Softchalk is a program that easily converts Microsoft Word documents into interactive lessons. Currently this program is being used to design and enhance on-line instruction lessons although it could be used by any instructor in CE6 site. | |
Provides assessment and practice opportunities that integrate with the gradebook in CE6 Allows video and audio to be embedded within the lesson Provides links to downloadable materials created by the instructor | 
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CE6 (Blackboard) - Learning Management System CE6 usage for regular classroom instruction – For the Fall 2008 semester, the ELLC program has 80 CE6 sites - that means that 67% of the classes are using CE6. |
Posted assignments, Websites, Class materials, Calendars, Syllabus, Announcements Wimba voice-tools, Assessments, Gradebooks |
CE6 use for distance learning instruction –CE6 is currently being used for various distance learning courses that the ELLC has developed: L&S for the TOEFL, Professional Writing, and Advanced Writing. |