The winds of technological change have been blowing through the halls of ELI this past year, transforming the ways faculty communicate with their students and with each other and expanding the tools that enable teaching and learning to take place.
Following the installation of multimedia computers for student use in the computer classroom, the Technology Committee spearheaded a two-pronged campaign to train faculty and to purchase software. The Committee, with the support of the University of Delaware's Computer Network Services staff, sponsored workshops on the Unix e-mail system, Netscape, Microsoft Word and News Groups. A software review process was established, enabling the purchase of materials for the Tutoring Center and the Self Access Learning Center (SALC). Located in the computer classroom and open to students in the afternoons, the purpose of the SALC is to provide ELI students with opportunities for independent, individualized instruction using up-to-date computer and video technology. "Our goal," says coordinator Jan Lefebvre, "is to create a place for ELI students to use a wide variety of materials to complete homework and to hone their language skills--reading, vocabulary, grammar, listening comprehension, pronunciation and writing--with instructors available to help."
Committee member Lowell Riethmuller continues to expand the ELI Home Page on the World Wide Web. The ELI Annual Holiday Newsletter, as well as an on-line application form for prospective students, has been added to the page. The site can be visited at:
http://www.udel.edu/IntlProg/eli/1elipage.html
"We would enjoy hearing from all of our former students," says Lowell. "If you have a message or a greeting, or want to list your address, please send a letter to me at ELI or send an e-mail message (lowell@udel.edu) and I will add your information."