Language Lab Software

             

       This Software is beneficial for the language learners, which can provide opportunities to the learners to learn language on their own where self-learning module works. It is also known as the Self Access Center where learners do not need the teacher but they can operate it individually. ‘Word itself the laboratory of Language’, if we have good quality teachers we do not need this lab but it can’t be possible because it is the common human problem to articulate some words with right pronunciation. That is why; this software can help in language learning.

What is Language Lab?

‘A network of computer along with appropriate software which provides most of the functions of a conventional language lab together with integration of videos, word processor and other computer applications.’

History of Language Lab

    The history of language laboratory has been a story of difficulties throughout and their status has been inconsistent which considered as the Long Day’s Journey from Language Lab to the Digital Language Lab. The Language Lab in its short history has been simultaneously praised, cursed, ignored, abused, found wanting, and found to be beneficial.

It is debated repeatedly by scholars that in this 21^st century, teachers and learners should have ‘digital literacy’ and this software is very helpful in learning and teaching through technology.

However, some questions are important to answer,

    

•    Why there is need of language lab?
•    What is the use of this software and how it works?
•     Is language lab fascinating properly?
•     Is software helpful in learning for what it was designed?

  So, let’s discuss the software in detail.

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     How language lab software works?

   The language lab software has a methodological pattern. It has pattern from easy to difficult. First few levels are very easy to pass but after that there are high level exercises which learner has to complete in learning process.

Advantages

       Language Lab is the full package to improve all four basic skills LSRW of any language. It provides very useful instructions before the activity and then it gives exercises to practice and enhance the language skills. It also provides good practice of right pronunciation, pause and tone in the Phonetics part. There are total 3 Levels to practice including vocabulary, Reading skill, Listening skill, writing, phonetics but there is no any rule but learner can go directly on third level  because it’s more flexible than traditional method of passing exam one by one that if you are able to do 12^th at the age of 10, you can’t do that but here you can chose the level which you are able to do.

•     It satisfies the need of the learners
•      It offers wide vocabulary regarding the subject to learn.
•    The focus of the software is on LSRW skills of the learner.
•     It also has facility of audios and visuals.
•   It contains content with animations and graphics in phonetics part.
•    The software has facility of ‘text reading’ program which helps in improving listening and speaking skills.
•   It is interactive software, which has learner centered approach.
•   Teacher’s interference is very less and teacher is more observer.
•     Learners used to learn by practice, trials and errors.
•     It also offers ‘listening’ to pre recorded audios.
•    It also improves writing skill by application or letter writing by providing key words.
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       Its Features

•      Text to speech
•      Offers recording
•      Error analysis  
•      Vocabulary building ( New words)
•      It can connect one PC with all computers.
•     SAC –Self Access Center and DELL- Digital Educational (English) Language Lab.

As ‘each coin has two sides’ likewise there are some disadvantages of language lab software.

        'Technology is a tool not destination.’ 

Disadvantages

• Ø It is a software which requires a language lab to practice. So, computer should be in the school or tool of the practicing.
• Ø It demands power- electricity and good quality cables.
• Ø It is very expensive.
• Ø It requires time to practice and students should be aware with the basic knowledge of  computers.
• Ø It stands for beginners to intermediate students because it has its focus upon basic language skills.
• Ø It has repetition and lack of novelty, which makes it boring.
• Ø Now, there are new mobile apps and software, this seems more old for students.

Conclusion:-

      Though the software is old and costly, its features are good and can make learners more interactive in the classroom. It can make aware students with the technology, which is integral part on today’s world.