Software

I. Where can I find the Language Lab on campus?
Thie language lab is located in the Media Center which is on the 3rd floor of the Healey Library.

• Student orientations are by reservation only.  They take place iin the computer labs located in the upper level of the Healey Library. Professors call 617-287-5970 to reserve a time for their class orientation to take place during the first two weeks of classes each semester. Information sheets are available at student orientations.
• Although most lab materials are digitized and available on a network server in the language lab, there are many multi-media curriculum materials that can be borrowed from the 2rd floor Reserve Desk to use on language lab equipment
• The language lab collection includes DVDs, CD-ROMS, video tapes, audio cassettes, textbooks and lab manuals distributed at the 2nd floor reserve desk which can be used on equipment in the language lab. There is a also digitized collection of materials that students can access the language lab website and from the local area computer network in the Media Center
• They can also view videos on VCRs, and copy audio cassettes for home study in the White Three additional video/dvd viewing stations are availble in the lobby to the right of the reserve desk.

II. When is the campus language Lab open?
The language lab is follows the hours of operation of the Healey Library.

III. Do you need a student I.D. to use the language lab?
Yes. Students can obtain a UMASS I.D. from the Office of Student Life in Wheatley building, 4th floor. Students should obtain a Healey Library user bar code for their student I.D. Presently, lab consultants wand students i.d into a computer database to track their attendnace in the lab for professors. Students should enter their barcodes into the computer when they enter and exit the lab.

VI. Who can use the language lab?
Students enrolled in three credit language courses which require a language lab for the fourth credit hour, and any student who pays the language lab fee of $25.00.

V. Can I do my language lab on-line?
Almost all courses have both audio and video materials on line at the language lab web site. Your professor will explain how you can access the website to access these materials. Not all students are able to access their materials on-line because of copyright restrictions. Check with the lab and your professor .

VI. What equipment can faculty and students use in the language lab?
VCRs, DVD players, , windows platform computers, portable tape recorders, and microphones, a high-speed rewinder, and a bulk eraser for cassettes and four high speed cassette duplicators. Students record a copy of a library tape on their home use cassette that they receive at the beginning of the term. . All language materials are copyrighted and there are restrictions concerning duplications which are provided by the publishers of the textbooks used in language courses.

VII. What curriculum materials are in the language lab?
Generally, all multi-media that correspond with textbook materials used in language courses. For example, there are foreign language audiotapes, audio CDs, CD ROMs, foreign language fonts, word processors, computer software, bookmarked websites, and videotapes that can be used with your language lab manuals.

VIII. How can I find out which programs to use for my language lab?
Your course syllabus will list the materials you are required to study but you may browse and use anything available from the lab's library of materials. The lab also posts all course syllabi with lab assignments on its bulletin board and web site.

XI. What languages are currently offered in the language lab?
Chinese, ESL, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish, and American Sign Language.

XI. Are the lab materials available for home study?
A library of audio cassettes, audio CDs, and computer software programs are available in all languages. Generally, copyright rules restrict the use of these materials to the language lab. However, when your register for a lab you receive a blank audio cassette which you may use throughout the semester to copy material on for home use. Some materials are available on line through our web site www.umb.edu/langlab to students with password access.

XI. How does my professor know whether I am attending my labs?
The lab scans the library barcode on your student I.D. each time you visit the language lab. In this way the lab keeps a record of each visit and its length which we forward to your professor twice per semester: at midterm and final period.

XII. What is the Language lab website: http://www.umb.edu/langlab?
The language lab website provides a list of all lab assignments for courses which require language labs, and for a list of audio and video recordings which can be downloaded at home. There is streaming video and digital audio available on the website that is password accessible only to students and faculty enrolled in Elementary Spanish, French, and Italian courses