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September-October 2002
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Language Learning Materials Go Digital
Peter Janssens and Bettina Myers
The Language Learning Technology Center has been busy this summer converting much of its extensive collection of tape-based foreign language listening materials, as well as some instructional videos, to digital format. Under the supervision of Peter Janssens, Academic Technology Coordinator for Languages and Linguistics, and Bettina Myers, LLT Center Supervisor, two Academic Technology Assistants (ATAs) have been working daily to digitize cassette tapes. About 200 hours of audio and over 50 hours of video were processed. Once digitized, the recordings are organized into units to allow easy access to individual clips. Each unit is compressed and prepared for streaming over the campus network. The entire collection of these audio and video materials, some 6,500 files or close to 70 GB (gigabytes) of data, will be accessible through a browser interface, in Web pages presenting the files by program, lesson, and number. Links to these web pages will also be provided in the foreign language classes' Blackboard course sites.
As a result, most language learners will no longer need to check out cassette tapes, although the existing tapes will continue to be available at the LLT Center lab for some time. Instead, students will be able to access high-quality digital versions of the materials at all times and from any networked computer, using the free QuickTime Player software. Because most of the materials are copyrighted, students will obtain a password to access only those needed for their classes.
As the ATAs were preparing the streaming files and web pages, Peter Janssens configured and tested a QuickTime streaming server to deliver the media over the campus network. Streaming media on demand presents two advantages over offering files for downloading: it is optimized for network delivery and does not write data onto the user's hard drive, thus limiting distribution to users who have a valid password.
Peter Janssens is academic technology coordinator for Foreign Languages and Linguistics for University Information Services. Bettina Myers is director of the Language Learning Technology Center.
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