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Following is a list of the most common questions we are asked about SONY Virtuoso.

If there is a question missing and you'd really like to know the answer please contact us on +44(0) 844 800 9375 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

How much training is required?
We will provide training at your own pace, as much as is required to make sure that you and your department are confident and comfortable using the software. On average about 1 1/2 hours of training is sufficient for the initial teacher training session so that they can use the software and run a class with it. After this initial session we come back and work with your staff on a regular basis, in the classroom on a 1-2-1 basis and then through support sessions about such supplementary topics as "content creation". We also have extensive online training materials to which you teaching staff have individual log ons.
 
What are the advantages of using this software over a CD or saving media files to the network?
1) Teachers maintain control and can keep students focused on the language learning as opposed to the technology medium through which it is delivered and interrogated.
2) Because this is a software only solution the interrogation of the audio or video is very much faster and precise than through analogue language labs or through other analogue systems.
3) The teacher is in the position to immediately allow students to work in a personalised manner or in a whole class situation, alternating how they proceed immediately.
4) The teacher can monitor all of what students are doing, including when they are recording, which means that the teacher is able to tutor all students in the class individually against their requirements.
5) Teachers can listen in to individuals and / or pairs
6) Teacher can collect all work and re-distribute to pupils to review and mark each other’s work
 
Can students access sound files from home?
Yes, and we also provide a cut down version of the software for home use which allows students to interrogate sound and video files with the same ease as at school.
 
Can you put a written exercise on the screen?
Yes you can, and attach the exercise to an audio or video resource such that when an audio or video resource is opened for a student the associated exercise opens simultaneously.
 
Does is work with word and standard network files?
Yes, You simply launch the file from the network and it also works with PDF files. You can actually launch any file type from the students PC providing that they necessary application is installed on the student’s machine; so Microsoft Office to run Microsoft Word.
 
What type of sound files can you use?
Commonly MP3 and WAV files are the best formats but all industrial standard audio and video formats can be used on the system dependant on the schools own installation of multimedia codecs onto the schools PC’s. Virtuoso will for example work with MPEG4 videos, DivX videos and AVI videos.
 
Do you have to convert resources?
No - you can use with all your own tried and trusted resources.

Can you use the software with existing exercise books?
Yes. This is commonly where our clients start their use of the language lab.

What about headphones? Do you supply these?
Yes we do. We recommend SHS100 headsets with built in sound cards. These are £65 each.
 
Is there a limit to the number of licenses?
You decide how many you need to purchase. The licenses are concurrent. If you would like a specific school quote please contact us and we’’ll arrange this for you.
 
Can you install the software into an existing computer lab?
Yes you can. There are no additional hardware costs and the software can be installed into your existing lab / classroom
 
Can you run the software wirelessly? Is there any reduction in speed?
Yes, you can run the software wirelessly, but there are some limitations on some of the functions due to the protocols used in wireless networking verses wired networks. We have some new installations that are working on the new smaller web tablet type computers that are now going into schools. Please contact us if you would like more information about SONY Virtuoso and wireless.

Can you use the software outside the lab?
Yes, the software can be used from school site to school site and from school to home.
 
Can you use with laptops?
Yes, in two of our schools clients have installed SONY Virtuoso onto the teachers laptops and these are used all around campus to control language lab sessions.
 
What about our onsite web based content - can we still use this with the software?
Yes you can. Using the Internet Browser in Sony Virtuoso you can direct students to web pages and content stored on VLE’s.
 
Can you listen to live student drilling?
Yes you can, either individually, in pairs or in groups. SONY Virtuoso is the only language solution that contains this important facility.
 
Are there any annual support costs?
No there are none. There is just one up-front payment for the licenses, which includes 1 year’s staff training and 3 years’ upgrades and ICT support. We do charge extra for headsets.