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The teaching of languages is increasingly an
important factor in training for technology. Language skills complement
technical and engineering training. The better trained technician or engineer
will most often be able to speak and communicate effectively in one or more
international languages such as English, German, Japanese, French or Spanish.
This is extremely useful in career promotion and also for continuing learning
opportunities. Often in the work place technical persons must refer to English
based manuals for detailed information on procedures and technology.
LABTECH has designed several language labs in order
to meet the challenges of today's language instruction. As fast as language
training is growing it is difficult to keep up with the development of qualified
teachers who can properly instruct the students and get them to apply their
knowledge. Teaching students to be fluent in conversational levels can be very
difficult and time consuming. these language labs bring a powerful multimedia
approach to language training. They use the traditional audio approach in
training as well as integrate video cassette and VCD sources into the training
program. This makes the training more interesting and also takes the learning
to a higher level by introducing original native speakers as a sound source
example. Through the videos the student may also better understand how people
behave in different environments and obtain a better understanding of the
underlying culture that is an important factor in every language.
The
electronic
multimedia language lab (MMA-350) is a
very reasonably price lab that features traditional tape recorders for each of
the student stations and a very good multimedia system that integrates the
student communications with various audio sources and video sources. it is
designed to be robust, easy to use and long lasting.
The
computer
based multimedia language lab
(MMX-500) takes learning to a higher level. Each of the students has a tape
recorder that also has a digital recorder built in. This enable faster and
easier recording and voice comparisons by the student. The teacher's computer
system controls all communication and allows a great deal of flexibility in
pairing students, using model voices, group discussions or learning and various
student configurations. The computer also features a testing system that
integrates into a data base to record student grades and progress of each
individual and the class. The multimedia features are also integrated into the
computer which feature audio cassette, CD, VCD, digital video that can be
introduced to the students in their study programs. The lab is also internet
ready which is useful for down loading training programs, programs updates,
teaching notes, etc. from the internet.
Both of these systems are extremely flexible and can
work very well with almost any type of audio or video type of training program
that the teacher may want to use. In addition, each of the systems allows the
teacher to make and produce their own training program to match their needs
exactly. Labtech also is developing special training materials for the TOEIC
(Test of English for International Communications) standards which are so useful
for so many people.
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