Language Lab

The Libertyville High School International Language Lab utilizes SANS/Sony Virtuoso Instructional Control software, along with Soloist Digital PC Comparative Recorder software, to provide a fully digital software-based language learning environment. This software runs on networked Windows®-based PCs allowing interactive audio, video, text, and other instructional materials. The state-of-the-art lab contains 31 student stations and a teacher station from which the teacher can send audio and visual information to students. Teachers listen to and record students, allowing them to monitor activities while providing students with feedback about their pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar usage. In this learning environment, students participate in pairs or groups to share information, collaborate on projects and assignments, and have more opportunity to speak in the target language and listen to authentic text passages in the target language.

Many of the textbooks used by our International Language students are accompanied by CD-ROMs that can be used in the lab. These CD-ROM programs offer activities that allow the students to receive automated feedback on the grammar topics, vocabulary, and cultural information presented in their textbooks. In addition to the CD-ROM programs, there are also many independent Internet sites that allow students to practice grammar points and have their responses checked for accuracy. The Internet is also accessed in the lab when students work on their research projects. These projects require students to do a more in-depth investigation of cultural topics related to their language areas. The Internet is considered to be a valuable tool in the research process for these projects as it allows students the opportunity to easily access materials printed in the languages that they are studying.