The CSL provides instructors with computers, audiovisual recording equipment, a photocopier, and other equipment to help them prepare course materials. Portable equipment is also available for check out, including video monitors, video players, audio cassette/CD players, LCD projectors, laptop computers, video recording equipment, headsets, etc. Instructors are encouraged to reserve equipment in advance using the on-line reservation system (go to “Reservation”) . The CSL offers instructors with onsite training for the use of the equipment and computer software and can help troubleshoot problems, but making an appointment to talk to a member of the staff is highly recommended if special attention is required. Also, the CSL’s video collection can be used by both instructors and students; the collections are searchable (go to About the Center>Media Collections).

In order to take full advantage of the CSL’s services, please read the policies as well.

Members of the CSL staff can assist with project development, from planning to finished product. The CSL can provide help with writing proposals for funding and preparing protocols for human subject rights compliance, as well as give suggestions about copyright and intellectual property issues. The CSL can also provide technical assistance and training from the start to the completion of a project. Instructors are encouraged to visit special request page where information, such as human subject rights and copyright, can be found. It is also through this page that you can request project assistance from the CSL.

As a member of the Consortium for Language Teaching and Learning the University of Chicago receives annual funding, to be distributed to projects that are approved for funding, in quarterly competitions, by the local Consortium committee [current Consortium committee members: Steven Clancy (Chairman), Nadine di Vito, Catherine Baumann, Elena Bashir, Youquin Wang, Kay Heikkinen, Michael Berger]. The grant proposal guidelines are downloadable here as a PDF or MS Word format document.

The CSL also has limited funding available for special projects, meetings, lectures, and other events and activities. Please ask the staff for further details.

Viewing - Live Dish Network programs can be viewed on any TV monitor, and through most ceiling-mounted projectors on the 2nd floor of Cobb Hall. Wand controllers may be required, and these can be checked out from the CSL reception desk. Viewing is limited to channels that are subscribed to, and only 8 different broadcasts at any given time. The CSL can set a DVR to a specific channel if a request is made (see Special Request page).

Recording - Dish Network programs can also be recorded for playback in the future. Recording is limited to channels that are subscribed to, and only 8 different broadcasts are available at any given time. The CSL can set a DVR to a specific channel for recording if a request is made (see Special Request page).

Subscriptions
- as of August 14, 2007 the CSL has subscriptions to the following channels:

- Russian

1. RTVI
2. RTVI+
3. NTV-America
4. TVCI

- Polish

1. Kino Polska
2. TVN 24
3. ITVN
4. Polsat 2

- German

1. GKP Kino
2. DWTV Deutsche Welle
3. PRSBN ProSiebenSat1Welt.com

Funding for subscriptions comes from language departments and other units. If you would like to request a channel or language package for a specific language or geographical area, please consult with the staff of the CSL and they will direct you to the appropriate contact at the University to discuss funding. Linking to Dish Network http://commercial.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/Default.aspx?top=priv - N.B. once on the web page click on “Classroom Education” or “International Programming” – the CSL has an educational subscription, thus if the same programming appears both in the “International Programming” section and the “Classroom Education” section, we must subscribe to the educational channel or package. We can, however, subscribe to channels and packages that only appear in the “International Programming” section.

Video recording - The CSL has several digital cameras for use by students enrolled in language classes, who have required or optional video projects. For more information about video projects for your classes, please contact the CSL (see Special Request page) or contact multimedia specialist Kay Yang directly. All the requests for class activity support should be made by the end of the fist week of each quarter.

Audio recording - Students have a number of options for audio recording.

1. Using Horizon/Wimba Tools on Chalk
2. Using DL Recorder (downloadable from Dartmouth at http://schiller.dartmouth.edu/dl-recorder/).
3. Borrowing a Tape Recorder from the CSL
4. Students can borrow headsets and mics from the CSL to use for their recording sessions.

The Polycom video conferencing system, allows faculty and classes to participate in events with other universities and institutions (see Specifications below). The system is quite flexible, easy to use, and can be used in a variety of venues. Click here for more info

The CSL has facilities for hosting conferences, workshops, and training sessions. Please contact Steven Clancy or Michael Berger for more information.