There is a growing agreement that any successful English teaching needs to focus on literacy skills, reading and writing as well as the importance of study skills and learner autonomy. Academics like Abdulrazak Mohamed Elsagheer from Al Baha University are encouraging the use of new multimedia language labs as the best way by which these skills can be delivered. Software only language labs like Sony Virtuoso provide the future vision for teaching and learning English.

Globally a growing number of educators in the US and Middle East are recognising the importance of using the ‘next generation’ Sony Virtuoso language lab software. The Sony software is easily installed on a central server and is then easily accessed from any networked PC. Students and teachers can then work on improving and honing language skills from multiple sites across and range different locations across campus. In the Middle East important cultural differences between men and women can also be maintained, as language learning between men and women can be managed through desktop controls and across separate campus sites. Imam University in Saudi Arabia have invested in the Sony software with this purpose in mind. Many other EFL educators are adopting Sony Virtuoso as their language lab of choice.

‘Our students have become next generation language learners. Using Sony Virtuoso language lab software we have been able to really engage them in the use of contemporary language learning resources and methodologies. Our students enjoy and learn more as they interact with multiple video, audio and internet language resources that we as teachers can send them.’ Mr Akram Abu Ismail, General Manager, Al Hassad Schools , Jordan

‘The lab allows students to work at an individual pace and get instant feedback from the teacher…you are able to individualise instruction and assign communicative activities you couldn’t do in class…’ Judy Tanka ESL Instructor and Lab Coordinator, UCLA American Language Centre, Los Angeles, USA

‘The Sony IP based technology has reduced maintenance and improved reliability. It is an excellent implementation of VOIP (Voice over IP).’  Derek Ogate IT Language Lab Manager, UCLA American Language Centre, Los Angeles, USA

‘Sony Virtuoso’s ability to manage, control, send, group pair and create quizzes using digital media is really helping the learning of languages.’  Dr Hazim Abbas Director of Arabic and Islamic Education, Repton School, Dubai UAE

With over a decade’s worth of software development behind it, Sony Virtuoso is the most stable and reliable software only language lab programme. The reliability of the Sony software also means less maintenance and support costs – especially in comparison to the old hybrid lab solutions. The audio quality with Sony is second to none; other software solutions suffer from a discernible audio ‘lag’ and variable qualities of sound delivery. Finally Sony Virtuoso has the most extensive editing and management control features that enhance and engage teachers and students in language learning.

The advent of super-fast PC networks in schools in the last 5 years has seen a shift in procurement of language labs. Away have gone any investment in the old ‘hybrid’ labs which created a network on a network to manage and move media. Now senior management and heads of languages department are investing in software only language lab solutions – like Sony Virtuoso, which dramatically improve access and learning outcomes for students.

‘Heathfield School in Pinner liked Sony for a number of reasons; it worked across our existing network so did not require any additional wiring. The sound quality was very good considering it was using the same network cabling. The 30 seat licences they could use in more than one room so effectively they were getting access to 2 language labs for the same price. It was very simple for staff to use the teacher console. The training videos that are provided allow staff to develop at their own pace… ‘Darren Nott, ICT Manager Girls Day School Trust

‘We are very pleased with our results again this year and excellent results in listening and speaking components can certainly also be attributed to the use of the lab’ Cordula Koerner, Head of Modern Languages at Hills Road Sixth Form College Cambridge

‘The lab has helped us to talk the same multimedia language as our students and has therefore brought our up to date with student expectations. Our students find the Sony Virtuoso software interface for listening easy and pupil friendly. Being able to bookmark sections of audio and revisit them is a big plus for pupils; they can quickly find the sections they need. Another big strength of Sony Virtuoso software is the independent access to audio resources so students can work at a pace that’s right for them. They love random pairs and the ability to listen over and over again to their own audio files quickly and efficiently’. Tim Love HOD MFL Colyton Grammar School Devon

The Sony software is easily installed on a central server and is then easily accessed from any networked PC. Students and teachers can then work on improving and honing language skills from one or multiple PC suites across campus. With over a decade’s worth of software development behind it, Sony Virtuoso is the most stable and reliable software only language lab programme. The reliability of the Sony software also means less maintenance and support costs – especially in comparison to the old hybrid lab solutions. The audio quality with Sony is second to none; other software solutions suffer from a discernible audio ‘lag’ and variable qualities of sound delivery. Finally Sony Virtuoso has the most extensive editing and management control features that enhance and engage teachers and students in language learning.

The advent of super-fast PC networks in university language faculties in the last 5 years has seen a shift in procurement of language labs. Away have gone any investment in the old ‘hybrid’ labs which created a network on a network to manage and move media. Now senior Language Faculty Lecturers and Managers are investing in are software only language lab solutions – like Sony Virtuoso, which dramatically improve access and learning outcomes for students.

‘We realised that the Centre needed a more flexible, reliable and future-proofed solution compared to the hardware-based technology we were using. We therefore did an extensive research to find an appropriate software-based language lab solution that would take access and deployment of resources to a much wider level and meet our practical needs more fully. We chose Sony Virtuoso because it fulfilled the key criterion of being a reliable and sustainable software-only programme. Our most recent lab is entirely operated by Sony Virtuoso and we are currently in the process of phasing out the use of the hardware-based system and migrating to Sony.’ Professor J. Gillespie, University of Ulster

‘We were looking for a software only language lab solution that combined ease of access anywhere on our network with a comprehensive vision for CPD and future proofing. We felt that Sony Virtuoso provided the Business Schools language students with the best management programme to integrate audio, video and internet materials with a combination of interrogative and independent learning software management tools on and off site.’ Jill Short, Multimedia Officer, University of Plymouth

‘After assessing all the major language lab technologies in the market place it was obvious that only Sony Virtuoso could fulfill our criteria. We were able to get good empirical results quickly; teaching staff find it easy to operate. Students get it straight away. In fact since its installation we have had not had a single problem related to the Sony software for the entire semester’. Dr Ian Foster, Lecturer in German and Director of Learning Resources, University of Salford

The Sony software is easily installed on a central server and is then easily accessed from any networked PC. Students and teachers can then work on improving and honing language skills from one or multiple PC suites across campus. With over a decade’s worth of software development behind it, Sony Virtuoso is the most stable and reliable software only language lab programme. The reliability of the Sony software also means less maintenance and support costs – especially in comparison to the old hybrid lab solutions. The audio quality with Sony is second to none; other software solutions suffer from a discernible audio ‘lag’ and variable qualities of sound delivery. Finally Sony Virtuoso has the most extensive editing and management control features that enhance and engage teachers and students in language learning.

Due to the variety of quality with on board sound cards in any brand of PC, the use of headsets with their own built in sound cards via the USB port is a vital consideration to retain a consistent quality of audio and recording.

Also the size of any USB headset connector can reduce effectiveness of audio as the USB connectors get knocked and as a result settings and sound levels have (with some competitor labs) to be readjusted, which takes IT and teacher time and reduces effective student learning time.

With Sony Virtuoso our USB headsets come with a much more compact USB connector, which minimises outside interference. More importantly recent upgrades to the software programme itself have ensured better levels of audio quality and consistent levels of sound, improving student learning time and allowing teachers more time to assess and judge their proficiency in languages.

How Sony Virtuoso language labs are a vital ingredient at Imam University

American-Arab academic Dr. Mohammed Errihani at a presentation at Imam University stressed the importance of literacy skills, reading and writing in order to promote the teaching of English in Saudi Arabia. Imam University has already invested in Sony Virtuoso ‘next generation’ language labs, to help support and promote this initiative. Abdulrazak Mohamed Elsagheer from Al Baha University endorsed this strategy and stressed both the importance of training more EFL teachers and the importance of using language labs to integrate these skills.

For more information:

http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article609738.ece

Or contact:

info@connectededucation.com

Sony Virtuoso version 12 is available for new and current clients; for more information contact info@connectededucation.com

The conference delivered an informed message about the wider world of consumer and corporate interactive technologies and the future IT skills of this ‘next generation’ of learners, who will need ever increasing ICT skills to compete in the new global economy.

Recent surveys show that the number of pupils set to sit language GCSEs next year will rise by 22% to 52%. (Source: England’s teacher training agency, BBC Education News) The rise is tied to the English Baccalaureate, which requires languages among other subjects.

There has also been a rise in the number of qualified language teachers but this rise is not keeping pace with demand from the students sitting language exams, according to professional bodies like the Association of Head Teachers. The TEL event looked at effective ways in which technology can manage the language skills and recruitment gap. Next generation language lab technologies allow teachers to work with a greater number and variety of students in the key areas of language learning, in terms of listening, writing, speaking and reading skills.

The programme was a mix of workshops and strategic presentations from teaching practitioners and industry experts on how technologies from free and online resources to handheld devices and digital language labs can enhance the teaching of languages. A innovative programme was discussed creating language levels in LittleBigPlanet2 (LBP2) for both classroom and homework study. Many delegates took up the opportunity to take part in a collaborative online LBP2 languages pilot programme for the summer term. The conference ended with a plenary session where views and opinions were exchanged and valuable information on ‘next steps’ gleaned.

We are delighted with the positive responses of the attending delegates:

I had to email to say that this is absolutely fantastic! I have so many ideas I want to try out and have never felt this inspired by technology! Can hardly wait to get started …’

A very motivational and inspirational day.

Refreshing to have the course in a school which wasn’t a new build and had an excellent vision for using ICT’

A very useful and informative day. I would recommend it to any colleague and I would love to come back in the future.’

We were fortunate to have the support of Didcot Girls’ Schools MFL department. As part of the programme Languages and Enterprise Specialism Coordinator Will Harvey will looked at the ‘Effective use of ICT in the MFL Classroom’ . The session covered a number of pieces of software and web based applications which can be used by the teacher in the MFL classroom as teaching tools or in a computer room (or at home) by pupils as learning tools.

Alongside the effective use of ICT in the MFL classroom topics covered at the conference included languages and technology, languages and LittleBigPlanet2, using language labs with rich multimedia content and game based learning across the curriculum.

Delegates were given the opportunity to get hands on and try out many of the technologies delivered. These workshop sessions were inspiring for delegates showcasing work across school.

It was fantastic to invite language practitioners to Didcot Girls’ School, and to know that the sessions we ran inspired them and gave them a thirst for more.

Will Harvey, Languages & Enterprise Specialism Coordinator, Didcot Girls’ School

A great event, at a great school. We look forward to running our next TEL event and inspiring another set of languages practitioners to use technology to improve their teaching of languages.

Mark Stimpfig, Director, ConnectED Services Ltd. (ConnectED)

Our next technology enhanced learning workshop will run at Parkstone Grammar School in June 2012. Please contact vcardwell@connectededucation.com for further information.

About ConnectED Services Ltd.
Working with education and corporate training in the UK and overseas we sell technology and advice focused around the delivery of rich interactive media to enhance teaching and learning. Products include, SONY PlayStation, SONY Virtuoso language lab software and ConnectED TV for education. We also provide advice and training on games based learning to all sectors of education. ConnectED clients are supported by an expert team of educational specialists, programme directors, project managers, IT specialists, marketing and admin support.

There has also been a rise in the number of qualified language teachers but this rise is not keeping pace with demand from the students sitting language exams, according to professional bodies like the Association of Head Teachers.

Russell Hobby the general secretary puts it like this:

people really struggle to recruit language teachers, so it is a concern – particularly after a long period of time when modern foreign languages were in decline. It can take years to re-staff your languages faculty. It is one of those subject areas where you definitely need a qualification – it’s one subject you cannot fake.’ (Source: BBC Education News)

Investment in ‘next generation’ language lab software to fill the languages gap.

One of the ways to manage the language skills and recruitment gap is through the use of technology.  Next generation language lab technologies allow teachers to work with a greater number and variety of students in the key areas of language learning, in terms of listening, writing, speaking and reading skills.

Will Harvey, Languages & Enterprise Specialism Coordinator at Didcot Girls’ School says that the use of his Sony Virtuoso language lab:

means improved language learning outcomes, as students can be trained more quickly and efficiently in becoming bi or multilingual. Specifically a language lab speeds up listening and speaking skills, increases focused teacher instruction and guidance, amplifies opportunities for individual student learning differentiation and peer to peer assessment.’

Want to find out more? Request a ‘language lab for a day’ demonstration at your school.
http://www.connectededucation.com/2012/02/a-language-lab-free-for-a-day/

For more information please visit our PDF here.

The latest generation of labs can all support learning in the following ways:

1. Differentiation: In order to reach the same learning objectives, bespoke work can easily be provided to the learner.  Differentiation by text, task or outcome is made simple as the teacher is able to deliver pupil specific work directly to each pupils’ computer
2. Independent learning:  Pupils are able to immerse themselves in their learning, using online resources to solve problems and having their teacher on call to support them
3. Controlled Assessments:  Newer language labs are able to collect and label students’ work at the click of a button. This work could be an audio recording or a written text. Practice and preparation for the written and spoken controlled assessments can be easily stored and evaluated and feedback can be given through the language lab.
4. Assessment for learning: Language labs allow pupils to review their own work and note areas for improvements. Learners can also review and feedback on each other’s work; a sound example of Assessment for Learning in practice.
5. Instant feedback: Newer labs have in built quiz or test features where multiple choice questions can be created using audio, video and web based resources.  The answers can be sent directly to the teacher for marking or the software can do the marking for you.
6. Providing evidence of pupil progress: Using quiz and assessment features over a period of time will provide evidence of pupil progress to be shared with learners and used to set future targets. Assessment scores are stored centrally for easy access.
7. Behaviour management: Teachers are able to monitor remotely the pupils’ screens and limit which programs are to be used.  Teachers can also control remotely the learner’s keyboard and mouse.
8. Group work: By placing pupils in different groups it is possible to teach a number of lessons within one lesson, this is a great feature allowing teachers to differentiate; to support the weaker pupils and stretch the most able.
9. Talking your students’ language: students are exposed to a plethora of multimedia devices in the home, using a language lab to send rich multimedia files to students improves engagement in language lessons.
10. Whole school / campus wide access, efficiencies and cost savings
Truly software only language labs can be installed and used on any networked PC anywhere on a school, college or university campus. Students can access resources in one room, from room to room or from campus to campus.

For more information on the functionality to look for when considering upgrading your language lab technology- download our brochure and benchmarking chart here.