Resources for Further Reading
These are listed in rough order of importance and utility.
Setting up and Running CALL Labs by Vance Stevens gives an extensive list of weblinks for those interested in designing and running a CALL lab. This is a good starting point for designing a lab. Note that while some of the linked pages are current, others have not been updated for a number of years. http://www.geocities.com/vance_stevens/calllabs.htm
Installing a Computer-based Language Lab by John de Szendeffy gives practical advice for starting out, including issues to consider. http://www.bu.edu/celop/mll/call/install.html
Computer Lab Layout Guidelines from Cornell University has practical suggestions for the amount of space needed and layout of a computer lab. This is very useful when looking at a space to decide if it is suitable for a lab and the number of stations it can support. http://www2.cit.cornell.edu/computer/instruct/classtech/labguide/labguide.html
Similar information is at http://www.pltw.org/eslab.shtml, but with a somewhat different configuration. Both recommend having the computers around the outside rather than in rows, which is best for collaboration and teacher-student interaction.
Planning a Language Resource Center from Claire Bradin has a range of links to help in starting out. http://www.edvista.com/claire/labplan.html
A Place to Start in Selecting Software by Deborah Healey offers suggestions for thinking about what software to buy. http://www.deborahhealey.com/cj_software_selection.html
Self-access: A Framework for Diversity by Michael Rodden and Michelle Parrington gives some reasons for setting up a self access center, as well as some tips for saving money while creating your self-access center. http://www.pt.britishcouncil.org/journal/j1336mrmp.htm
Wikipedia’s entry on Self-access Language Learning Centers presents some background information about why to set up a self-access center, as well as links to existing centers. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self_access_language_learning_centers
The International Association for Language Learning Technology (IALLT) is a group focused on language labs, including computer labs. It is good for the lab manager to be a member, especially if conference funding is available. http://www.iallt.org/
Self-Access Centre of the City University of Hong Kong’s website provides an example of a CALL lab. http://www.cityu.edu.hk/elc/elc/facilities/sac_index.html
What Is Learner Autonomy and How Can It Be Fostered? by Dimitrios Thanasoulas looks at an essential component of a self-access center: a self-directed learner. http://iteslj.org/Articles/Thanasoulas-Autonomy.html
Quick Tips for the CALL Laboratory by Brian Cullen and John Morris gives suggestions for teachers who are using the lab. http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Cullen-CALL.html
Mobile lab information:
ThinkPad A La Carte shows one style of mobile lab, using ThinkPads: http://www-03.ibm.com/industries/ca/en/education/k12/hardware/tpalc.html
Apple offers suggestions about Mac mobile labs: http://www.apple.com/education/it-professionals/mac-labs.html
A cart vendor offers another look at the same thing: http://www.reasonco.com/solutions/mobileLabs/index.html