Archive
iMac Imaging documentation
- for Coed037: Word Web app: https://skydrive.live.com/view.aspx?cid=0025C841818181C2&resid=25C841818181C2%21148
How we improve client service through changes to the reception desk computer image
- These browser windows will now load automatically when student staff logs into the reception desk computers:
- Safari: In the entrance area, we display the live calendar of LRC events and services, containing the schedule of events (classes and other room and computer bookings from our bookable resources):
- Internet explorer
- is used by clients exclusively
- displays only the 49erexpress login screen in full screen
- clients do not close, but only log off
- dependent application windows can be opened from there
- Moodle
- Ninermail
- Firefox
- Safari: In the entrance area, we display the live calendar of LRC events and services, containing the schedule of events (classes and other room and computer bookings from our bookable resources):
How we reorganized the reception area to improve support of circulation and small group work
The new reception desk is meant to secure the entrance to Coed436. To secure the circulation equipment, we do not let students into COED436 anymore, whether they are trying to check out equipment or for other reasons (except if they need to see the LRC coordinator). Hand all equipment to students over the counter. The door to Coed436 has to be locked when the LRC Assistant leaves the reception desk (it always can be unlocked from inside).
We also carved out 2 small group work spaces in the LRC entrance area. They can be used by language tutors with their students, and by other small student groups, including for assigned film viewing. These work spaces currently do not have to be booked, but they can be. Bookings take precedence over walk-ins. Send meeting requests to LRCRoomCoed433c@uncc.edu (Group1 next to entrance), LRCRoomCoed433d@uncc.edu (Group 2)). The calendar on the reception desk will display the bookings.
We moved 3 more iMacs (with built-in web cameras) into the main classroom (currently available to students only when all other iMacs are in use). All the iMacs in the main classroom actually have now also their own “room”: LRCroomCoed433b@uncc.edu (iMacs), but we are not requiring this “room” to be booked (yet). We are considering this in an attempt to avoid pile-ups of students trying to take video recording assignment. First we monitor actual usage patterns, especially nearing assignment dead-lines.
New “rooms”, and other equipment types are highlighted in green on our list of bookable resources.
How a teacher creates audio recordings for use with Sanako Student Voice Insert mode
- One of the Sanako Student player’s useful features geared toward language learning activities, is that it can save the teacher the time and effort for inserting pauses into their audio recordings, so that students can record responses into them.
- Meaning the teacher can just press the red speak button
and record through the entire file in one sitting. - The teacher can still help students finding their way around the file, especially where to insert their own audio recording responses, by adding aural cues.
- This can be done in minimal time: I once saw a teacher use a bicycle bell – and why not, if it saves time.
- A spoken instruction “Respond”/”Answer in 10 seconds” is not more difficult to spot (unless only the voice graph is being browsed) and might be even better.
- If you have spare time:
- You can post-edit the file with audacity, generating and inserting sinus tones.
- You can use the Sanako player to insert bookmarks instead of cues.
- Meaning the teacher can just press the red speak button
- As long as students have been instructed to how to use voice insert recording mode with the Sanako student recorder.
- This is for self access of students to teacher recorded files – be it during class or homework.
- If you want to record students under exam conditions, a similar insert recording feature is available within the activity: Model imitation, but not with a pre-recorded file, only when the live teacher is the program source students listen to for cues.
Students get an error when trying to open links from MS-Word file
- Error reads: “”this operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer”.
- Immediate workaround:
- right-click on the link, choose copy, open a web browser window
and paste the link into the address bar, browse to it from there. - File / Save as / Web page. From where you saved the web page, double click to open it in the your web browser, click the links form within there.

- Have you tried saving your MS-Word files to the new SkyDrive.live.com (login with your NINERNET password) yet? Students can choose to open MS-Word documents in either MS-Word or their web browser which should also bypass the problem.
- right-click on the link, choose copy, open a web browser window
- Solution: Investigating. Seems related to no “default browser set” in XP Control Panel / Internet options. If you cannot live with the workaround, do ask your System Administrator. Or stay tuned
Sanako comparative recording exercises using Moodle
- Comparative recordings are one of the best-established practices in SLA with technology. We can implement them here using:
- The Sanako Study 1200 language lab software installed in LRCRoomCoed434 facilitates comparative recordings by students, based on a teacher-provided model audio, with its student dual track recorder software.
- Moodle’s Simple file upload assignment aids in managing the workflow,
- from delivering the audio file with the model recording to the student
- to organizing, assessing and grading the student input.
- For the teacher
- to create such an exercise, she
- creates an audio recording that serves as a model for the student pronunciation – a special application of our Audacity recording introduction. It is advised, however, to insert clear cues for the student to start his repetition.
- creates a Moodle’s Simple file upload assignment to which she attaches the audio recording
- continue with How a teacher grades a Moodle simple file upload assignment
- to create such an exercise, she
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For the students to take such an exercise:
- How a student takes a Moodle Simple file upload assignment
- TBA: Sanako Student Recorder
How we improve LRC assistants’ and tutors’ visibility using name tags
- We posted name tag holders on lanyards at the bulletin board behind the reception desk.
- When you come in, take one, insert your student id card, and wear it during your shift.
- At the end of your shift, do not forget to return the name tag holders to the bulletin board for the next LRC assistant/tutor.


