CSU, Chico Selected to Participate in Interactive Language Laboratory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2000
Ann Walker
530-898-4143
CSU, Chico Selected to Participate in Interactive Language Laboratory
CSU, Chico Selected to Participate in Interactive Language Laboratory
The California State University system and Teleste Educational Ltd., an international technology group specializing in control equipment and multimedia environments for language learning, have named California State University, Chico as one of seven CSU campuses to begin providing interactive language laboratories for students.
This first-of its-kind project was developed jointly by the CSU system and Teleste and will serve as a model for similar programs in universities across the country.
During different phases of a two-year period, Teleste will develop a multi-campus distributed-learning solution to stream video and audio language files and associated programs. In turn, the CSU campuses will test and implement the software and learning materials.
Kimihiko Nomura, CSU, Chico associate professor of Japanese, began production of the course material at the beginning of the fall semester and will begin testing a beta version in spring 2001. After this test semester, the lab will be refined in the summer and offered again in the fall.
“The hope is that we will then expand the course offerings beyond the materials created for this initial Japanese course,” said Cindy Jorth, director of the Multimedia Language Learning Center.
Currently students in enrolled in foreign language classes at CSU, Chico have access to the Multimedia Language Learning Center, a networked language lab on campus. The new virtual language lab will improve upon this system by allowing students to access and download learning materials on campus, from home or from any computer with Internet access.
“The biggest benefit to students will be increased access, access to multimedia materials throughout the system, access to more courses than are currently offered on their campus, especially in smaller programs, and access to more experts like Dr. Nomura and his colleagues,” said Jorth.
“In general, the same idea of improved access and collaboration applies to our department and any colleagues that participate in such a consortial arrangement,” said Jorth. “Several small programs with perhaps one or two faculty can combine with other programs to share expertise, materials, ideas and create a virtual department. ItÕs an impressive learning community.”
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