The Language Resource Center has been invited to participate with ITD and the School of Music on a pilot project designed to test the feasibility of delivering instructional audio materials over the internet in the Real Audio format. The project developed after LSA responded to a call for proposals for ITD's distributed support pilot program. The LRC and School of Music both expressed interest in support for online listening and were granted a joint pilot. Delivering audio over the web has potential benefits for both students and instructors.
Students can have immediate access to their materials from anywhere in the world.
Teachers will be able to take the tried and true audio lessons and use internet technology to open new doors to creativity. Currently, the LRC produces 40,000 plus audio tapes a year for students in the various language programs. And it's ecologically sound, no bulk orders of tape, labels, cases, or packaging materials to throw away. Material access may only be one of the immediate benefits for students. Currently students are charged for language tapes at the cost of materials.