The LLC News

An extra storage space (a high speed SD card) has been added to each computer in the back section. This space contains data and software that is not wiped out when the computer is logged out or rebooted. Currently it is used to run some scripts that make certain audio or video files to be accessible in the LLC only. It will also be used to run LLC purchased programs (such as Integrated Chinese DVDs) or to store freeware that students often have to download when doing their homework in the lab.

A WiiMote interactive whiteboard (based on Dr. Johnny Lee’s design and software) has been developed and is now available for demonstration in the video room. The whiteboard will be moved to the front section of the lab if many instructors are interest in using it.

A self-help media development/conversion station has been set up near the listening center section in the LLC. This station is meant for students and instructor to use (with the help of LLC staff) to create or convert their own media content for learning/teaching. Unlike the first media station, which mainly creates or converts materials for use in VVR, this station includes a scanner and some software to support mobile learning/teaching with iOS, Android or Windows 8 devices.

The secondary Video Viewing Area has been moved to 302A. In addition to the original  42″ LCD TV/monitor, a VHS player, a DVD player, and a BGSU streaming TV player, this area now has an instructor computer and some laptop computers for students to use to browse the internet, record their own voices or watch digitized video materials owned by the LLC. This area is improved for small group video viewing and for small language classes that require a high quality video conferencing system.

The secondary Video Viewing Area (formerly known as the Group Study Area) has been updated. This area now has a new 42″ LCD TV/monitor, a VHS player and a DVD player. BGSU streaming TV programs can be viewed on the monitor in Internet browsers. This area is Skype enabled with an HD webcam. It is suitable for small group video viewing and for small language classes that require a high quality video conferencing system.

A fully functional multimedia development station has been built and is now in service at the LLC. This development station is designed to handle all tasks that are essential to create and publish language teaching materials. It has such functions (in terms of hardware and software) as video/audio recording and editing, video/audio digitizing and editing, video/audio format converting, printed document scanning and OCR, film scanning and digitizing, transcribing, web based language lessons or language tests developing and publishing, as well as mobile teaching/learning material developing and publishing. The system is designed to be very easy to use. Training is available for those that are interested in using the station as a self service system.

The LLC has added the following new equipment to its facilities:

1)    42” 1080p LCD TV monitor

2)    HD webcam for 720p HD video conferencing

3)    Top-loading self-powered USB hub (for the instructor computer)

4)    Epson Perfection flatbed scanner with film adapter

5)    Aiwa PAL/MESECAM VHS player/recorder

6)    Elgato video digitizer

7)    Panasonic audio tape transcriber

In addition, the LLC has acquired from ITS 5 gently used MACs and 5 used (but still very good) PCs.

The new equipment is/will be used for such purposes as multi-media language teaching material development, HD video conferencing, playing VHS videos and DVDs, facilitating language research, etc.

The LLC welcomes Lilian S. Carcamo to the staff!

Lilian is from Honduras. She came to the USA five years ago to get an education. In her first year in the USA, Lilian attended Springfield North High School. After high school graduation, she attended the Clark State Community College.  Currently, Lilian is a senior at BGSU majoring in Microbiology. She is looking forward to her graduation in December 2011.

A call-for-help button has been installed on the instructor’s desk in the LLC.

Instructors no longer have to wave at or walk to a lab assistant when they need assistance. All they need to do now is to push the button once and a lab assistant or the coordinator shall come to help immediately.

We have received notice for ITS that the problem with Audacity has been solved. We tested the software on the lab computers this morning and found it working fine now.