Language Resources

Using technology around campus

The CLAS Language Learning Center provides resources specifically needed by language instructors--the opportunity to work especially with listening and speaking tasks, with the internet and texts in non-Western fonts, and with multimedia designed especially for language learning. The University of Florida has many other resources which are useful for language instructors.

For the classroom, AT/CIRCA provides:

  1. Classrooms equipped with internet drops for using a desktop computer, and other equipment for the instructor:
    • Level-1: Equipped with overhead projector.
    • Level-2: Equipped with overhead projector, TV/VCR.
    • Level-3: Equipped with overhead projector, ceiling-mounted LCD projector, multimedia patch panel, VHS VCR.
    • Level-4: Equipped with overhead projector, ceiling-mounted LCD projector, multimedia patch panel, podium with lectern light, VHS VCR, computer, document camera.
  2. Windows computer classrooms in CSE, Weil, and Bryan Halls with all the latest and most commonly used software (Word, Powerpoint, etc.). Licensed software can be installed on the system if the CIRCA team is alerted to the need a couple of months ahead of time. Students log on with their Gatorlink passwords and their work is erased from the local computers when they log out.
  3. Mac labs, in Architecture and Norman Hall, which may be more comfortable for instructors who are used to this operating system and have a wide range of built-in language capabilities.
  4. Portable equipmentof various kinds for classroom use, often available delivered to the room. This is the place to borrow a video camera, or a foreign-standard VHS video player for showing a tape in class.

Do you need access to a powerful computer with software for digitizing and editing images or movies?

  1. The CITT is a computing resource center for UF faculty. Among its equipment you will find scanners and photo editing software, Windows computers set up for digitizing of videotape, and digital video editing software. CITT also has an audio recording studio for creating digital audio materials. Classes in working with various types of media are offered regularly for faculty.

More communication tools:

  1. Currently UF supports the open-source Sakai Classroom Management system. This provides a secure site for putting lecture notes, link pages, and other materials online for enrolled students only. Students log in using their Gatorlink ID. The CITT offers classes for instructors to learn how to customize the interface.
  2. Interested in videoconferencing? The Language Learning Center can provide a Polycom or Skype interface. For more elaborate situations, Contact Campus Video Services--they will provide what you need. Also note that UF has an Access Grid node, which allows computerized videoconferencing among several groups with strong visual and auditory contact. The Access Grid allows these nodes, distributed at over 150 institutions worldwide, to communicate with each other.