CAN 8 VirtuaLab is an interactive, multimedia tool used extensively for the instruction of modern languages, English as a Second Language, as well as learning assistance and workplace training. Specified completely by teachers' requests, CAN-8 smoothly integrates student learning activities with instructor activities of evaluation and lesson creation. CAN 8 VirtuaLab is software that runs on any network, such as a local area network, proprietary intranet, a wide area network and worldwide on the Internet. All activities are recorded and played in real time. Data storage takes place at the server for instant accessibility without local storage, setup, expensive teacher consoles or special cabling. TCP/IP protocols permit placement of security features for integrity of system, student data and curriculum.           For a Player screenshotclick here Language is communication. With CAN 8 VirtuaLab, oral production is the focus of student activity, not an afterthought. Students use CAN-8 for listen, speak and compare activities as well as more task-oriented, communicative activities. They can record and playback with high speed and excellent quality sound. Direct access to digitally recorded sound allows students to quickly find the precise spot in a word, sentence, dialogue or class menu. A CAN-8 lab is a multi-purpose learning environment. Students can follow class instruction or "drop-in" and work on many different activities. CAN-8 can be a pronunciation coach, a tool for practising conversation, grammar and comprehension skills or a testing site. It can also be used to develop skills for interpretation or simultaneous translation professionals. (top of page)          For a Tracker screenshot click here CAN 8's Tracking module is designed to reduce the workload on the instructor. Monitoring, evaluation and testing is made easy. A visual chart allows instructors to review class progress at a glance, at any time during or after student sessions. Instructors can zero in a student's oral answer, listen to it and give feedback. Instructors can work in class, from the office or home, for maximum flexibility and convenience. While one or more teachers review students' work, another can author a lesson, all while a class is in progress. No console or special cabling is required. Different strategies… CAN-8 VirtuaLab can be used a self-access facility AND it can be used for interactive lab-class sessions. Instructors can talk live to the whole class, or call one student for a conversation. 1,2,3, Testing… CAN-8 VirtuaLab is used extensively for testing, especially oral testing. Time limits can be set on playing, reading and recording. Test parameters are controlled by the instructor, making CAN-8 the perfect tool for online entry diagnostics, weekly quizzes, and final oral exams. Group Conversations… Do you like to group students? The Babilon Topology for group conversation allows instructors to assign students to groups, listen in unobserved, join in when appropriate, talk to an individual student and receive calls from a student - all with a click of a mouse. Menu and Registration system… Wondering how much time a student has really spent at work? The registration system, RegiMe provides summaries for class progress such as total elapsed time, ranking by grade and summaries for each student. Menus and assignments can be customized for selected users and classes. IDs and passwords can be managed as required. (top of page) CAN-8 Lesson Plans are at instructors' fingertips for convenient and easy creation or modification of lesson materials. Adapt the computer courseware to fit the curriculum, not the other way around. CAN-8 includes an easy authoring system (EAASy II) focussed on language instruction. Lessons can be created using sound, text, graphics and video. Templates are provided for 12 different language-learning activities to reduce the steps involved in lesson creation. Text can be linked to sound to focus on keywords, sounds, or sentence structures. Any audio material can be recorded directly from cassette players, CDs, radio and other sources. Pre-packaged course material is also available in a variety of languages. Incorporating other resources… The menu system can be used to point students directly to other programs, such as internet sites and videos; students can record answers to questions about the material while viewing the site. (top of page)