Emergence of Language Laboratory System iTell

In 1950s, the practical use of language lab began, when tape recorders with two tracks became popular. Thus evolved a new language teaching method and further study was conducted on the use of visual aids, such as TV and videotapes for the enhancement of language proficiency. Language labs soon became very popular. In this modern teaching method, students become speakers of the target language by learning tactful linguistic units, which could be mastered through the mechanical process of repetitive exercises.

Traditional language labs use analogue audio/video cassette as the main tool for student learning. With the invention of digital language lab, computer has been used to deliver a wide range of materials in digital format to the learners. Students are allowed to participate in worldwide forums and networks, exchange ideas and information with other students and can monitor their own improvement. The Digital language labs can perform the same functions that analogue language labs do, such as permitting students to record their voice and permitting tutors to manage student positions.

As digital laboratories became a central resource in language learning, more and more educational institutions started utilizing the technology of digital language labs to enable students and teachers to develop the language learning and teaching quality. Modern language laboratory systems provide a wide array of facilities that address the needs of students from LKG upwards. It allows students to listen to tailored lessons and passages and respond to questions both orally and through the keyboard. The ready made lessons available with the digital language lab system can be used to utilize the skills of an advanced language tutor to create their own lessons, to monitor students, and to interact with individual students without interrupting other students in the class.