With the funding support from Dr. Marjorie Hass, Kent Dyer, and Harry Miller, we have researched and purchased a variety of software packages, all of which received the highest ratings in the CALICO Software Review. It is our hope that students find these new materials to be a useful supplement to the language curriculum. Because the new programs are not associated with any particular textbooks, they allow students to practice language skills based on their individual needs, and at their own pace. Of particular value are programs designed to assist with pronunciation, the aspect of language acquisition which requires the most individual practice. For a full list of new software with descriptions, click “Language Software” below. Of special interest for faculty is "Audacity", a cross-platform audio recording and editing program. To learn more about "Audacity" click here .  

       We have added a the International Character Toolbar for Microsoft Word that allows users to easily insert foreign characters into Word documents. The program is installed on all computers in the Language Learning Center as part of Microsoft Word. It is available for download onto your personal computer on our website under “Multilingual Word Processing” or here. 

      In collaboration with the Office of Information Technology, our staff has implemented numerous upgrades to the LLC workstations to assure compliance with the latest standards required by advancements in the ancillary textbook-bound materials selected by faculty for the fall 2008 semester. In addition, we purchased new hardware, including headsets with built-in microphones, DVD-ROM players, a color printer/copier/scanner, and a multi-zone DVD player. For instructions on how to use the new equipment, visit our FAQs page or click here. Of special interest for faculty is a new laptop (click here to see the specs) and a new PodCasting Station (click here to see the specs).