1. Differences among Level II, III, IV Laboratory Systems. Level II (audio-active) allows a student to hear a program via a headphone and to respond using the microphone. The student can hear his/her response. With Level III (audio-active-compare), the student hears and records the program and his/her voice. The student may play back the material and re-record as many times as necessary to perfect the lesson. Level IV is a computer-based, interactive language laboratory system which delivers a full range of software (formats) such as audio cassettes, audio CDs, audio-video cassettes (VHS), off-air-broadcasts, video graphics, and CD-ROM multi-media program formats, as well as full-motion, full-screen VGA/SVGA and NTSC, PAL, and SECAM type video signals.

2. Guidance for Selection of Language Laboratory Systems. This selection should be made in conjunction with an English language training survey performed by DLIELC and, as necessary, CECOM. DLIELC personnel frequently note that language laboratories are poorly utilized, underutilized, or not utilized at all in English Language training (ELT) sites abroad. In fact, proper utilization of language laboratories is the exception rather than the rule. Millions of dollars spent on language labs could have been better spent on hiring and obtaining consulting services. There are many excellent ELT programs that do not have language laboratories; conversely, there are many poor ELT programs that have language laboratories. That is, a language laboratory is not synonymous with a language program. A language laboratory is a useful adjunct to a fully operational ELT program; it is not the foundation of an ELT program. In the absence of a fully operational program, it serves no useful purpose.

a. Operational Program

(1) Regularly scheduled ELT classes.

(2) Compulsory ELT class attendance.

(3) ELT program accountability (i.e., the ELT program manager reports to a senior official on ELT.

(4) A paid (i.e., not volunteer) ELT faculty.

(5) An ELT syllabus which designates specific ELT materials for use in class.

(6) ELT classrooms that have adequate lighting, heating, and ventilation.

(7) A designated site in which the lab will be installed.

(8) Technicians who can maintain and repair the lab.

a. Laboratory Levels: In general, Level III laboratories are to be avoided. Few, if any, ELT programs require such labs. The DLIELC American Language Course (ALC) materials do not require a Level III lab. While Level IV language labs are the most desirable because of their interactive features, Level II language labs are adequate for the ALC and most other materials. The acquisition of a Level IV lab should be considered only when

(1) The expenditure of money of the Level IV lab will not detract from other aspects of the ELT program (e.g., instructional materials, adequate staffing, instructor training)

(2) There are adequate financial resources and technical expertise to maintain the hardware and software.

3. Additional Information:

a. Classroom chairs and instructor's console platform (elevates the instructor above the class) are not included and should be obtained from a local (in country) source of supply

b. Training tapes of any type or format, textbooks, and software training materials are purchased from the Defense Language Institute English Language Center (DLIELC), Lackland AFB,TX or from a local (in country) source of supply.

c. Level II and Level III language laboratory systems cannot be upgraded to Level IV at a later date.

d. Level II and Level III student stations can be intermixed when your budget does not allow for the
purchase of all Level III stations at the outset. Later, Level II stations can be upgraded to Level III
as funds allow.

e. Each Level IV laboratory system is basically a Level II laboratory system consisting of specially designed student consoles with added multi-media PC's and related hardware. You can purchase a Level IV laboratory system with mixed capability; i.e., some stations initially to be limited to Level II operations and, at a later date, some or all Level II stations can be upgraded to full Level IV operation, as funds allow.

f. To take advantage of the DLIELC produced and marketed VHS video tapes which support our English language training materials, we recommend all laboratory systems be purchased with the optional TV/VHS package which allows for the distribution of video cassette based program material, via large screen TVs mounted on roll-around carts. This permits viewing by the entire class. A small screen TV is contained within the master console for video program viewing by the instructor.

g. An optional and highly recommended feature available only for the Level IV is "video pass back." It
lets the instructor monitor the audio and video activities of a selected student.

h. Language laboratory systems come with a one-year initial supply of spare parts, an installation kit, accessory kit, and limited tools and test equipment to perform maintenance on the lab.

i. Language laboratory booths are usually purchased in groups of 10. (10, 20, 30, 40) position labs are the most common configurations.

4. Purchase and Installation of Laboratory Systems.

    a. Language laboratories may be purchased through the FMS process or by using IMET program funds. Letters of request for laboratories using the FMS method should be processed through the Army. IMET-funded laboratories must be programmed and funded through the US Army Security Assistance Training Field Activity (SATFA). The use of IMET funds to procure Level III and IV laboratories must be approved by the respective CINC and DSCA.

    b. US Army Security Assistance Training Management Office (SATMO) can provide technical assistance teams trained in the installation and maintenance of language laboratory systems. The requirement for these services may be programmed the same way a laboratory is programmed and funded. When the SAO has a funded requirement for an installation team, he will submit a call-up message to SATMO,corellars@bragg.army.mil 60 days in advance of the requested date of installation. POC is Rafael Corella, DSN: 239-9108.

Michael Cerreto
DSN: 992-8619, FAX 6874
COMM: (732) 532-8619
E-Mail: lucinde.mcafee@mail1.monmout.army.mil
Message address: CDR USACELCMC FT MONMOUTH NJ//AMSEL-LC-SA-CCA//
Mailing address:

CDR
USACELCMC, 1208 West Derum Ave.
ATTN: AMSEL-LC-SA-CCA (L.McAfee)
Ft Monmouth, NJ 07703.

John B. Allen
DSN: 992-8619   DSN FAX: 6874
COMM: (732) 532-8619
E-Mail: john.allen5@us.army.mil
Message address: CDR USACELCMC FT MONMOUTH NJ///AMSEL-LC-SA-CCA//
Mailing address:

CDR
USACELCMC, 1208 West Derum Ave.
ATTN: AMSEL-LC-SA-CCA (John B. Allen)
Ft Monmouth, NJ 07703
CECOM Fort Monmouth NJ

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