As with any purchase of this magnitude there were some delays but the system was installed and the faculty training completed as scheduled. Not all teachers will utilize this type of lab for various reasons and not all teachers will be interested in the development of multimedia computer lesson material but all teachers should be provided the opportunity to be involved with the development process. The language learning lab is based on standard networked computers with a file server. Most colleges have made long range plans with respect to operating systems compatibility, hardware specifications and system communications. These decisions should be reflected in the computer system purchased for language learning.
Timing is one of the most crucial aspects of implementing a computer-assisted language learning lab.
The college provided release time of three hours per week for Mary Diaz in the first semester for development of ESL computer lesson materials. Adrian Boroday, Lab Technician, converted most of the existing audio material for the MFL department. Administration approval and successful funding of a computer-assisted language learning laboratories has a direct bearing on the multipurpose or multi disciplinary aspect of the computer. However, all other courses can use the viewing, listening, reading and writing components. The fact is the lab might never be shared if the language students keep the lab at capacity but the Dean who approved the lab expenditure can say to the Vice President, who must also approve, that the lab can add to the college's overall student computing capacity and availability.