English Language Laboratories, Then and Now

Language lab is basically an audio-visual system that helps participants learn target language through various kinds of exercises in listening and speaking. In the earlier days, school language labs required hardware set up in classrooms, where the teacher occupied one master console while students sat at their system with microphones. Teachers used to provide students educational materials through a cassette-based system which the students could then listen and respond at their own pace. Students can record their voice with the mike and send it back to the teacher, who could then check their work.
However, modern language lab is far different and digital with software and some additional hardware component with flexible platforms with options to customise according to the learning or classroom requirements.
These technological marvels date back to the 1950s when the idea that rote learning and repeated practice were the best methods for learning new languages. The language lab technology remained popular and it has been widely used by educational institutions since 1990s. The vigour of language lab lives on and there are numerous innovative features available for classrooms around the world nowadays with a few upgrades, of course.
Zybro language lab is one of its kind which advanced from its earlier times with necessary tweaks and versions to make the language learning digital and friendly. This hybrid version not only uses a combination of software but also added with technological frills for students to make language learning process smooth and enjoyable for the participants.


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