In Ellis we had five VCRs and, therefore, could only make viewing assignments for smaller classes. The language labs have an instructor console with a built-in computer so the instructor can turn power on or off to all the audio tape decks and start, stop, and rewind tapes. Student headphones allow interaction with the instructor. We don't need to disturb other students. We can automatically pair students up so they can talk to each other, or the instructor can join in the conversation.
Students can use individual cassettes or a master cassette can be run from the instructor's console.
Besides teaching the foreign languages methods classes to students, Mr. Richardson conducts workshops to teach faculty members how to use the new equipment, including an internally controlled, professional-quality recording studio where instructors can make their own recordings. Yet another classroom computer lab, with twenty stations, is used exclusively for OPIE students. OPIE assists international students with learning to communicate more effectively in English. Mr. Mickelson said he, the chairs of the Departments of Linguistics and Modern Languages, and the languages lab director meet frequently to talk over uses of common space and discuss any problems with the facilities. Maria Dolores Morillo, a Spanish graduate student from Spain, is a teaching assistant for the Department of Modern Languages.