13017

13017

General Session - Conference Presentation and Interactive Activity Only (40 minutes, no formal paper)

Reima Al-Jarf, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reemasado@msn.com
 * Feasibility of Digital Multimedia Language Labs for Interpreting Instruction **

The College of Languages and Translation (COLT) prepares translators and interpreters. Some of the courses the students take are language courses (listening, speaking...etc) and 4 types of interpreting courses (simultaneous, consecutive, liaison & sight). COLT has installed 4 multimedia language labs (MLL) currently used for teaching listening and speaking courses, in addition to interpreting courses. Each MLL consists of a teacher's station and 40 student stations each with a computer, headsets and an audio box. The MLL software consist of XClass and a Digital Language Lab (DLL). The presentation aims to find out whether the MLL is feasible for interpreting instruction and factors affecting lack of utilization of MLL in interpreting instruction based on instructors' views. A sample of 10 interpreting instructors and an IT specialist was interviewed and surveyed. It was found that only 20% use MLL in interpreting instruction (simultaneous and sight interpreting). By contrast 80% use them just as a classroom, use speakers, text on CD or flash drive and MP3 players istead and believe that MLL's are not suitable for teaching consecutive and liaison interpreting. They reported facing hardware and software problems and issues affecting lack of utilization of MLL in interpreting instruction: Instructor related, student related, MLL software and hardware and technical support issues. The study concluded that normalization & attitude to new technology, hands on practice and availability of technical support on site are crucial in adapting MLL to interpreting instruction. The study will report results and propose solutions to the issues raised.

// Interactivity // Results of my study also showed that young T.A.'s at COLT who teach listening in MLL find MLL great for teaching listening. However older instructors with a Ph.D resist using the new MLL labs and prefer the old language labs. Teaching interpreting consists of listening to a text in English or French and conveying the meaning in Arabic or vice versa. Sometimes students need to record their interpretation especially in a test situation and send it to the instructor. Attendees can join in a discussion and share their knowledge and expertise. They can tell whether teachers at their institution resist use of new technology, which kind, why teachers resist MLL, how the problem can be solved and how teachers' attitudes can be changed.

All Audiences you tube, pronunciation videos, pronunciation, EFL.