Former SMERT computer lab transformed into multilingual space for World Language Department

For years, students and teachers have grumbled at lack of computer lab availability. This year, a new world language computer lab has been created in H50 to accommodate foreign language classes, which have previously taken up considerable amounts of computer lab time for oral and audio practice, especially in preparation for Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

“We’ve always wanted a language lab, one where we had the language lab type of software,” World Language Department Head Jacqueline Valerio said. “[The school] offered us a World Language computer lab and we’re ecstatic.”

In past years, priority went to AP classes that were preparing for audio portions of the test. But with a new computer lab, foreign language classes of all levels will be able to use the lab, not only to practice listening to the language, but also to get used to the AP format.

“[Students] need a lot of exposure to the language and lots of practice to understand [the language at the speed they’re talking], so having our own computer lab will help a lot,” senior and French AP student Christine Kim said.

The new world language computer lab will include 35 sets of computers with new foreign language software downloaded onto to the computers, specialized for ease of access and use for students who need foreign language practice.

Students in the past have had trouble understanding certain dialects due to the outdated software and relative infrequency of computer time, but with the introduction of the lab, students will get the opportunity to improve their linguistic abilities with the new software.

The lab was previously used by SMERT (Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Robotics, and Technology) teacher Hassan Twiet, who taught classes ranging from AP Computer Science to Engineering Design and Development. With the induction of the new SMERT building and rearrangement of classrooms on campus, the world language department finally has a room to call its own.

“I’m really excited about the collaboration this is going to entail within the department,” Valerio said. “I’m hoping to see the students feel more comfortable and speak with confidence.”