Exploiting resources
Make the most of the resources we have for you.
Resources in the University Language Centre (ULC)
- Look at the ULC's Library of multimedia resources;
- Familiarise yourself with Computer Assisted Language Learning packages available for use on the Language Centre PCs and on the University's networks;
- Get into the habit of watching DVDs and live satellite TV: check the broadcasters' webpages for the schedules for the stations we feed to the TVs in Samuel Alexander Building or deliver via the University network;
- Join the Face-to-Face scheme to practise speaking in your target language (for details contact angela.farrand@manchester.ac.uk);
- Plan your visits to the ULC, write them into your weekly timetable, keep a record of your visits and what you have achieved in them.
Useful links:
- Library resources
- Language Learning software
- TV viewing and recording facilities
- A guide to locating Resources in the University Language Centre (PDF)
Computer assisted language learning
CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) is providing a growing body of materials which particularly support independent learning.
- repetitive, sometimes boring work which reinforces grammatical practice or vocabulary acquisition can be more fun if you use a good computer program;
- practise your grammar doing exercises which are marked instantly;
- be referred to grammatical explanations which are directly relevant to the exercise you are doing;
- receive marks and feedback on your performance;
- listen to audio material or watch video material (on multimedia CD-ROMs) and do relevant exercises without having to search through DVD chapters etc;
- record your voice to compare with a 'native' speaker, without leaving a record for someone else to hear;
- practise translation skills with glossaries, hints and a model translation to compare with - all on the same screen.
Selected software is available on the University Language Centre PCs. Some software is also available from any PC in the University. Multimedia CD-ROMs can be borrowed from the ULC library. For more information about all these programs look at the specific language software page for the language you are learning.
Audio-visual resources
If you are using audio CDs, DVDs or internet audio/video material, some of the following worksheets will help you to make your listening/viewing an effective learning experience.
- News grid (PDF)
- Adverts grid (PDF)
- Communication skills analysis Grid (PDF)
Activity sheets
A wide range of feature films, documentaries etc is available from the ULC Library.
DVDs and videos can be watched in the two multimedia studios (Studios 2 and 3) in the Open Learning Facilities in Samuel Alexander Building. If you are working with friends there are DVD group viewing facilities in Studio 3, and ULC reception can supply you with wireless headsets so you can watch films together more comfortably.
A range of live TV channels can be viewed via the University network (TV over IP).
You can listen to audio CDs on the PCs in the ULC - using headphones, which are supplied with all ULC PCs.
The University Language Centre also provides an off-air recording and copying service. The off-air recording page provides further information.