Language Lab review

Introduction

Language lab is a laboratory where language can be taught and learn. In language lab software is installed in computers which contains various exercises which helps learner to improve LSRW skills. In language lab learners learn from computers. Many computers have been installed language lab software those are connected with main server computer. On this server computer all activities on other activities can be seen. Teacher sits on server computer. Student can answer, raise questions from their computer and teacher can answer from server computer. Before starting language lab teacher has to register students. Students can then login with username and password. In language lab gape filling, reading paragraph and answer questions, listen and speak, etc. activities can be done.

History of language lab:

Scientific inventions for teaching purpose is not a new thing. After invention of phonograph phonetic laboratories were constructed in American universities around 1924. The first language lab equipped with sixteen sets of headphones linked to a single output was built at Ohio state university. In 1930 radio was used for educational purpose. In 1950 telephone was used to improve students aural skill. Around 1960 audiotapes and portable recorders were used in education. During 1970 and 80s TV and computer emerged as powerful educational media. The digital language lab emerged in 1990 as computers made capable to support multimedia files like images and videos. After that thousands of language lab software are invented.

Advantages:

Language lab has various types of activities which helps to improve all four skills of language. As computer is a machine repetitive questions can be done and it won't get angry. One can learn alone without teacher.

Disadvantages:

Language lab is a costly software and it requires many computers. So establishing language lab requires large amount of money. It requires good power supply so where electricity is not reliable, language lab has no work. Teacher and learner both has to be trained. Language lab is good for small class but in large class it is not possible.