Changes and Innovations at the Language Center

Welcome back to the Language Center! We’ve been busy over the summer! Please note the following changes and innovations to our online and physical presence:

• We have a new website! The new site is in the standard Drupal format and features more and better organized content for students. It still contains all the frequently used pages from the old site, like the reservation request form and the room calendar. We will continue to update the site as the semester progresses and welcome your feedback. 
• There is also a new site for TandemPlus at tandemplus.umn.edu. It includes more resources for students and interactive features.
• LC Elevator is now the home for foreign language films for university language programs. Streaming content and information about films that can be checked out are now in one convenient location.
• The four Jones Hall classrooms were renovated and now include newer data projection systems. In addition, Jones 35 features new video recording and web conferencing equipment. 
• We are now supporting a pilot inter-system exchange for languages between the Twin Cities and Morris campuses.

September 2018 Language Center Events

As you prepare for a busy semester, please take a moment to stop by the newly renovated Jones 35 where the Language Center is sponsoring or co-sponsoring a variety of September events. These events are open to everyone, and refreshments will be served.

• September 6, 2018: BOSSA Training Open Hours 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. in Jones 35
• September 7, 2018: BOSSA Training Open Hours 10:00 - 12:00 p.m. in Jones 35
• September 10, 2018: Jones Classrooms Renovation: Open House Invitation 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in Jones 35
• September 12, 2018: Jones Classrooms Renovation: Open House Invitation 10:00 - 12:00 p.m. in Jones 35
• September 14, 2018: LATIS TEL and Language Center Canvas Clinics 10:30 - 12:00 p.m. in Jones 35
• September 18, 2018: LATIS TEL and Language Center Canvas Clinics 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. in Jones 35

Summary of Language Center September 2018 Events

• September 6, 2018: BOSSA Training Open Hours 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. in Jones 35
• September 7, 2018: BOSSA Training Open Hours 10:00 - 12:00 p.m. in Jones 35
• September 10, 2018: Jones Classrooms Renovation: Open House Invitation 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in Jones 35
• September 12, 2018: Jones Classrooms Renovation: Open House Invitation 10:00 - 12:00 p.m. in Jones 35
• September 14, 2018: LATIS TEL and Language Center Canvas Clinics 10:30 - 12:00 p.m. in Jones 35
• September 18, 2018: LATIS TEL and Language Center Canvas Clinics 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. in Jones 35

BOSSA Training Open Hours

Thursday, September 6, 2018
2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Jones 35

Friday, September 7, 2018
10:00 - 12:00 p.m.
Jones 35

As you gear up for the Fall semester, we invite you to join us at one of our BOSSA Open Hours to socialize with new and current users and to have your questions answered. Get a behind-the-scenes perspective on self-assessment and experience using the speaking self-assessment protocol. One-on-one training will be offered. During training, you will become familiar or reacquainted with all the pieces of the BOSSA protocol, and how they fit together. In addition, training will cover how students record and listen to their recordings, and how instructors can go about conducting the pair and group discussions which prepare students for the final, all-important piece: the self-assessment questionnaire.

Mark your calendars for the BOSSA Open Hours, and come share experiences with other users in an informal setting. Coffee will be served.

Jones Classrooms Renovation: Open House Invitation

Monday, September 10, 2018
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Jones 35

Wednesday, September 12, 2018
10:00 - 12:00 p.m.
Jones 35

The four computer classrooms, Jones 10, 15, 30 and 35, are being renovated this summer, and will reopen for Fall 2018 with new projection systems in all rooms, and new video recording and web conferencing equipment in Jones 35. In the case of Jones 35, a short training and consultation is strongly recommended to help instructors decide how best to accomplish their recording and conferencing goals.

The Language Center is offering two walk-in open houses on September 10 and 12, 2018 to tour the classrooms, experiment with the new technology, and consult with staff on how best to capture interactions in their classes. Please come to the open house that works best for your schedule. You can also email elsie@umn.edu to request an individual or group training or consultation. Coffee will be served.

Jones Classroom Changes Coming for Fall 2018

This summer, all four computer classrooms in Jones are being renovated and will reopen in Fall 2018 with the following improvements:

Jones 35 Video Recording and Web Conferencing:
The updated video recording system will give instructors local control. In place of the old remotely-controlled system, instructors will be able to set up and execute their own recordings. This will make it easier for instructors scheduled in the room to add video recording to their class activities.

New web conferencing equipment will make it easier to include remote participants. Instructors can use the Mac instructor computer or a personal laptop to run their web conferencing program of choice.

Best of all, the video recording and web conferencing systems will be able to use either one of two cameras which are controlled from the instructor podium. One camera will be aimed at the front of the room to capture lectures or presentations. The second will be aimed at the front tables to capture small group discussions.

The video recording system in Jones 30 is not changing, and the recording will still be controlled remotely by Language Center staff.

Although instructors scheduled in Jones 35 will be able to add video recording or web conferencing to their itinerary at the last minute, the Language Center staff still requires that they provide this information at the time of the reservation request to ensure that they are scheduled in a classroom with the appropriate technology. All instructors are invited to an open house to learn more about the changes, and consult on using the technology.

Jones 10, 15, 30 and 35 Classroom Projection Systems:
The projection systems in all four classrooms are being replaced with all new equipment. This is a major upgrade that will require new digital wiring and projection controls. Our current systems were originally installed in 2005 when the Language Center first moved into Jones Hall. As part of the upgrade, the data projectors in Jones 10, 15 and 30 will be replaced with laser projectors; the projector in Jones 35 was replaced just last year.

The new systems will be similar to those found in classrooms managed by the Office of Classroom Management. These improvements should result in brighter images with higher resolution and color accuracy in all four Jones classrooms.

Summer at the Language Center: Use our space in new and creative ways!

The Language Center is open for business over May and Summer Session. Our hours are somewhat more limited to reflect the decreased number of classes in session, but our professional and student staff will be here and ready to help!

Computer classrooms: Jones 10, 15, 30 and 35

Bringing your intensive summer class to a technology classroom breaks up and adds diversity to a long day for students (and instructors). We would be pleased to make a recurring reservation for you, or discuss the possibility of having your class meet in Jones as its regular classroom.

It’s not necessary to create new instructional material to use in the classroom; existing lessons can easily be adapted to incorporate technology, and we can help with this.

• Pair/Group work: The DiLL makes it easy to ensure that all students are communicating, and that pairs/groups are not always the same. You can reform pairs and groups as often as you’d like. The software can also help you to easily deploy and manage conversational tasks to promote interpersonal communication skills. 
• Authentic media integration: Through the DiLL system, instructors can easily send text, audio, and video materials from files or online. 
• Assessment: Whether oral or written, our classrooms offer software that facilitate the evaluation of language production in a secure environment. For example, you can manage individual oral responses with the DiLL system, or conduct oral exchanges. Furthermore, our classrooms can provide a secure testing environment with the integration of Proctorio in Canvas. We’ll be happy to explore assessment options for your courses. 

Contact Adolfo Carrillo Cabello at carri093@umn.edu for ideas on adapting an existing lesson to include classroom technology.

Multimedia Lab: Jones 135
Over the summer the lab is open for general student use, and it’s a great location for students to work or meet up before or after class. We will also host special events or viewings upon request, including international TV programming, films, student cultural events, and are open to receiving creative event ideas and proposals.

Contact elsie@umn.edu to request an event at the Multimedia Lab or to discuss the possibility of breaking up the day by having part of a class meet in the more informal lab setting.

TandemPlus

The summer Tandem program is smaller than in fall and spring, but remains vibrant. Students can register at tandem.umn.edu beginning June 11, 2018, to find a language and conversation exchange partner. In addition to a face-to-face matching program, Tandem often co-hosts cultural events for students.

Contact tandem@umn.edu to propose a student event or activity.

Summer Session Reservation Requests Entered April 16, 2018

The Language Center will begin entering general Summer Session reservations on Monday, April 16. You may submit reservation requests before that date, and they will be held until then. To have the best possibility of receiving the rooms and equipment you need, please submit by that morning.

See the Language Center Reservation page for details on policy and to make an online reservation request. Summer classroom hours are listed below to help you plan your requests.

Summer 2018 Classroom Hours

Please refer to these hours when requesting Jones classrooms:

May Session (May 21 - June 8)
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Summer Session (June 11 - August 3)
Monday: 8:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Late Summer Session (August 6 - August 31)
Monday – Friday: 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Update on printing in the Language Center Classrooms

Instructors, please be advised that we’ve updated the Language Center printers over the break. Printing done in the four Jones classrooms will go to the printer in Jones 5, our Classroom Support office. Instructors should come to Jones 5 to pick up student printouts.

BOSSA: Prepare for Your Upcoming Session

Instructors: do you have an upcoming BOSSA session? Are you interested in getting one-on-one training or a refresher in preparation? If so, please email bossa@umn.edu.

During this training, you will become familiar or reacquainted with all the pieces of the BOSSA protocol, and how they fit together. The training session will present how students record and listen to their recordings, and how instructors can go about conducting the pair and group discussions which prepare students for the final, all-important piece: the self-assessment questionnaire.

Using the DiLL System for Assessments

Are you using the DiLL system this semester for assessments? Please keep in mind that it is always a good idea to do a test recording before engaging your students in the recording of any tasks. Doing a test is simple, and it allows your students to get familiar with the DiLL interface before completing their recordings to be submitted.

Conducting a test involves asking students if they can hear you through the all call feature, asking them to record a sentence or two and then play it back. This simple test helps to ensure that your class activity will be successful.

If you're unfamiliar with the DiLL or other software, please contact Adolfo Carrillo Cabello, our Classroom Support Coordinator at carri093@umn.edu, for training and time to practice before your class meets.

Language Center Reservable Small Rooms for Fall 2017

Effective Fall 2017, we will have a new reservable small room, and some other, more familiar spaces will have new furniture. Here are short descriptions of the five small rooms that instructors and students can reserve for academic purposes:

• Jones 21: Equipped with a small round table for four and no technology. Recommended for tutoring sessions and small group work. Note: this is the only small room without a waiting area outside the room.
• Jones 105A: Equipped with a small rectangular table for two, videoconferencing technology and a monitor. Recommended for one-on-one tests and videoconferencing. Note: this is the only small room without a window.
• Jones 105B: Equipped with a desk for two and no technology. Recommended for one-on-one tests.
• Jones 110D: Equipped with an oval table for four, videoconferencing technology and a monitor. Recommended for one-on-one tests and videoconferencing.
• Jones 135B: Equipped with a conference table for seven, videoconferencing technology and a large monitor. Recommended for student group work and videoconferencing. Note: reservation priority is given for videoconferencing and student use.

Fall Semester Reservation Requests Entered Beginning July 17, 2017

The Language Center will begin entering general Fall semester reservations on Monday, July 17, 2017. You may submit reservation requests before that date, and they will be held until then. To have the best possibility of receiving the rooms, media and equipment you need, please submit by that morning.

At the University of Minnesota, the number of language and culture courses scheduled in the evening has declined in recent years. As a result, the Language Center is reducing its Fall 2017 classroom hours. Classrooms may be reserved:

Monday 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

We will make exceptions for some tests and self-assessments scheduled in advance.

Here is some additional information about reservation requests:

• These reservations always require a reservation form.
• Please submit a form for each class section.
• Each class is allowed to reserve up to 15 hours in Jones Hall classrooms.
• Teachers of intensive courses may negotiate their needs.
• Reservations for equipment and media are unlimited in terms of amount and frequency (within reason).
• Instructors must intend to use the technology they are reserving.
• There is now a waitlist for when the room requested is not available.

Summer at the Language Center: We’re Open for You!

The Language Center is open for business over May and Summer Session. Our hours are more limited to reflect the decreased number of classes in session, but our professional and student staff will be here and ready to help!

Computer classrooms: Jones 10, 15, 30 and 35
Bringing your intensive summer class to a technology classroom breaks up and adds diversity to a long day for students (and instructors). It’s not necessary to create new instructional material to use in the classroom; existing lessons can easily be adapted to use technology, and we can help with this.

• Pair/Group work: The DiLL makes it easy to ensure that all students are communicating, and that pairs/groups are not always the same. You can reform pairs and groups as often as you’d like. The software can also help you to easily deploy and manage conversational tasks to promote interpersonal communication skills.
• Authentic media integration: Through the DiLL system, instructors can easily send text, audio, and video materials from files or online.
• Licensed software: The extensive list of software installed in our classrooms offers endless options for students to practice all modes of communication. For example, iMovie could be used to develop projects to practice the presentational mode.
• Assessment: Whether oral or written, our classrooms offer software that facilitate the evaluation of language production in a secure environment. For example, you can manage individual oral responses with the DiLL system, or conduct oral exchanges. 

Contact Adolfo Carrillo Cabello at carri093@umn.edu for ideas on adapting an existing lesson to include classroom technology.

Multimedia Lab: Jones 135
Over the summer the lab is open for general student use, and it’s a great location for students to work or meet up before or after class. We will also host special events or viewings upon request, including international TV programming, films, student cultural events and more.

Contact elsie@umn.edu to request an event at the Multimedia Lab.

TandemPlus
The summer Tandem program is smaller than in fall and spring, but remains vibrant. Students can register at tandem.umn.edu beginning June 12, 2017, to find a language and conversation exchange partner. In addition to a face-to-face matching program, Tandem often co-hosts cultural events for students.

Contact tandem@umn.edu to propose a student event or activity.

LC Reservation Request Form: New Waitlist Option

If the Language Center can’t fulfill your reservation request now, maybe we can later!

There is a new checkbox on the reservation request form to be put on a waitlist if the room or resource you request is not available. This waitlist will go into effect with Summer 2017 reservations, which we begin entering April 17, 2017. The checkbox is selected by default, but you can deselect it if you prefer not to be placed on a waitlist. If you are on the waitlist, and the room or other resource becomes available, it will be reserved to you automatically and you will receive an email notification.

Summer Session Reservation Requests Entered April 17, 2017

The Language Center will begin entering general Summer Session reservations on Monday, April 17, 2017. You may submit reservation requests before that date, and they will be held until then. To have the best possibility of receiving the rooms and equipment you need, please submit by April 17 at 9:00 a.m..

See the Language Center Reservation page for details on policy, and to make an online reservation request. Summer classroom hours are listed below to help you plan your requests.

Summer 2017 Classroom Hours
Please refer to these hours when requesting Jones classrooms:

May Session (May 22 - June 9)
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Summer Session (June 12 - August 4)Monday: 8:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Late Summer Session (August 7 - September 1)Monday – Friday: 8:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Language Center Computer Classrooms: Planning for Spring 2017

Language instructors, are you planning your courses for Spring semester? The Language Center Classroom Support Team would like to provide you with the best possible experience when using Language Center classrooms.

Please let us know if you are planning an activity that you'll be doing for the first time (or haven't done in a long while) so we can ensure that the software or web plugin that's needed is available. If you're unfamiliar with the DiLL or some other software, contact us and we can give you training and time to practice before your class meets.

Please contact Adolfo Carrillo Cabello, our Classroom Support Coordinator, at carri093@umn.edu to learn more.

Welcome Back to the Language Center!

Welcome new and returning instructors, students and staff. If you were not around this summer, here are a few things you may have missed at the Language Center:

• New iMac computers were installed in Jones 30 and 35! 
• A new bright LED projector was installed in Jones 35, projector lamps were replaced in the other 3 classrooms
• Three new HD video camcorders and two new lightweight tripods were added to the LC checkout pool
• The Language Center AV database migrated to Elevator: Read more
• Language courses received through Courseshare moved to the Language Center: Read more
• The PACE Project has been renewed for another year: Read more
• The new CARLA Director, Kate Paesani joined us in the fall with a split appointment between CARLA (75%) and the Language Center (25%): Read more

Language Center Staff Graduations

After this spring semester, six long-term Language Center employees will complete their undergraduate programs. All of them held unique positions in our department and made valuable contributions to language education at the University of Minnesota. Please join us in congratulating the following graduates, and wishing them the best in their future endeavors!

Brandon Adams, Classroom Support Assistant Lead Student, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in English and Jewish Studies with minors in Hebrew and Religious Studies. He is currently applying for positions in libraries or education. One day he hopes to go back to school to pursue an M.A. in English, but after four years he looks forward to a break from school!

Chloe Gansen, Main Office Assistant, is graduating with a double major in Journalism and Public Health. In addition to her job at the Language Center, she is currently working in the communications department at the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, which is housed in the Academic Health Center. She will continue in that position until the summer of 2016, when she will begin a master's program in health communication here at the University of Minnesota. After graduate school, she hopes to work at a health-related organization, doing communications and developing health campaigns.

Agnes Hong, AV Tech and Classroom Support Assistant, will be graduating with a degree in Anthropology and a minor in Environmental Science. After graduation she is hoping for employment opportunities that would help her gain some experience in library work. Her current goal is to receive a master's degree in library science after working for a few years.

Abdulkarim Maalin, Testing and Somali LPE Assistant, will be graduating with a major in Biology. After graduation he hopes to find employment in the field of health care. His long terms goals are to study Public Health in graduate school and to eventually work for the CDC.

Jonathan Prestrud, TandemPlus Assistant, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in German, Scandinavian & Dutch as well as in Linguistics, and minoring in History. After graduation he plans to use his language skills to traverse the globe and hopefully find El Dorado.

Molly Schloesser, Classroom Support Assistant, will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Social Science and Early Childhood Education. After graduation, she will be moving back to her hometown to work, ideally in the social services industry.

CLA Language Instructors' Communities of Practice

The PACE Professional Development Peer Team is currently discussing the creation of "communities of practice" with foreign language instructors in the College of Liberal Arts. The goal of these communities is to create miniature interest groups in an environment where educators could gather on a regular basis to share insights, reflect on their teaching pedagogy, and to create a support network across departments based on the theme of the community.

Below are a few of the "Communities of Practice" that have been proposed.

• Integrated Performance Assessments
• Technology to Support Language Learning
• Flipping the Classroom
• Pedagogical Innovations Reading Group
• Shaping Curricula Through the Use of Assessments
• Developing Advanced Proficiency

If you are interested in joining any of the Communities of Practice (or proposing other themes), please indicate your interest here. Have any questions about the Communities of Practice? Email Caroline Vang at cevang@umn.edu.

The PACE Project is funded by a grant from The Language Flagship.