Elementary Chinese Uses Digital Language Lab

The latest version of the MMLC-developed Digital Language Lab system (code-named DiLL) was introduced this spring quarter to four class sections of Elementary Chinese. The introduction was very well received, representing a very important milestone in the long-term strategy to completely replace the analog Tandberg audio system used in the MMLC with an extensible, flexible, and non-proprietary computer-based solution.

An early section has 14 students.

The Digital Language Lab software has been developed by the staff of the MMLC in consultation with language faculty, and with support from the Hewlett Fund for Curricular Innovation of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences.

A student uses the intelligent 'recap' function of the Digital Language Lab.

The "DiLL" project began in 2003 as a funded summer project to build a proof-of-concept audio network system. In 2004, this reference design was completely rebuilt and enhanced by a database management application that maintains a centralized audio catalog, tracks student usage, and safeguards student recordings.

Professor Li-Cheng Gu interacts with students.

During the next year, as the Digital Language Lab software is completed, work will begin in tandem to refurbish the MMLC's primary language lab classroom. The constraints of the current analog audio system and instead replaced with configurable seating and low-profile computers allowing for a variety of pedagogical configurations such as lecturing, conferencing, pairing, and/or testing.

The focus remains on the listening, not on the software.

The Digital Language Lab software is the only software of its kind for the Macintosh platform and boasts several important innovations that are unique to any platform. Because of this MMLC is working to prepare the software for eventual licensing to interested institutions later this year, after it will first be shown at the annual conference of CALICO (Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium) during May 17-21.

More information about the Digital Language Lab can be found here:
http://web.mmlc.northwestern.edu/projects/DiLL.shtml