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Creating a virtual language lab: an EFL experience at National Taiwan Ocean University

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 December 2008

Hao-Jan Howard Chen
Affiliation:
National Taiwan Ocean University

Abstract

English listening ability has become increasingly important. Traditionally, the training of listening skills is mainly provided via tape-based language laboratories. However, the tape-based laboratory cannot cope with the rapid development of digital learning media. In addition, it fails to provide students with convenient access because of its limited space and opening hours. The faculty at National Taiwan Ocean University takes advantage of new Web technologies such as RealMedia and JavaScript to create a virtual language lab in the hope of helping students develop listening skills. This paper will discuss various problems and solutions in setting up a virtual language lab. It is expected that our experience will be useful for other language professionals.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © European Association for Computer Assisted Language Learning 1999

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