The goal of the World Languages Lab at El Centro College is to provide the opportunity for our students to accelerate language acquisition through the use of computer resources. By using modern computer programs, students are enabled to see, hear, speak, and write in the new language. They are exposed to the sounds, grammar, and sentence structure of the language, as well as knowledge of the culture that uses the language. During the time they are in the language lab they "swim in the waters" of the new language and thus grow in their communication skills.

Who Can Use the Lab?

All students registered to study a language, both Credit and Continuing Education students, are encouraged to use the lab. Current languages being offered at El Centro College are English, Spanish, and French.

Available Programs

The World Languages Lab provides all our students the use of state-of-the-art computer equipment and software. The following special software programs are available for student use:

English

AZAR -- Understanding and Using English Grammar Interactive
Now Available Online

Fundamentals of English Grammar Interactive, and Understanding and Using English Grammar Interactive
This program begins with an engaging cartoon character who clearly explains the major grammatical concept of the respective chapters. An extensive series of exercises follows which gives the student substantial practice in using each grammatical point. Four short tests conclude each chapter.

Criterion On-line Writing
Students in the upper three levels of ESOL writing classes use this online program to write short essays which are graded by the computer within ten seconds after submitting it. Immediate feedback is provided which evaluates the grammar, mechanics, style, organization, etc., of the essays. Students use this information to revise their essays and re-submit them.

Townsend Press On-line
Students taking reading courses use this on-line program to do exercises and strengthen their ability in essential reading skills such as using context clues to help determine the meaning of unfamiliar words, recognizing the main idea of a passage as well as its support details, and recognizing patterns of organization, inferences, and an author�s purpose and tone.

American Speechsounds Rosetta Stone

• Review American English consonants
• Review American English vowels

Listen & Choose

• Select a sound/exercise
• Listen to the speaker
• Choose what you hear
• Get your score and recommendation

Words

• Select a sound/exercise
• Listen to words and phrases
• Record words and phrases
• Evaluate your speech

Sentences

• Select a sound/exercise
• Listen to words and sentences
• Record words and sentences
• Evaluate your speech

English, Spanish, and French

Rosetta Stone

Students like this program because of its clear expression, attractive graphics, and opportunity to learn improved pronunciation. Step by step the learner gains more self confidence in the target language.

Tell Me More

An engaging feature of this program is its ability to carry on a conversational dialogue with the student. Another strong point is its advanced voice recognition component which zeroes in on student pronunciation difficulties and enables them to make corrections. There are a variety of activities such as crossword puzzles, arrangement of sentences in the correct word order, dictation exercises, etc., which are enjoyable, challenging, and useful for enhancing language acquisition. ESOL students taking the Listening and Speaking course have this program available online so they can practice and do their lab assignments from their home computer.

Spanish and French

Students use an online learning tool called iLearn (or Quia) which has workbook assignments and a lab manual to supplement in-class instruction. Audio and video components are part of this interactive computer generated learning environment.

An Immersion Environment�

�is the quickest and most effective way to learn a new language. Our software programs provide a simulated immersion experience where the students can listen to, speak, read, and write in their target language.

Language Lab Requirement Students taking Credit ESOL courses must complete for each course approximately 16 hours of lab assignments using computer programs. All of these online programs can be accessed from any internet connected computer. Likewise, Credit Spanish and French students should spend at least 110 minutes per week practicing their target language using similar online programs.