Army Logistics University Language Lab
The ALU Library’s Language Lab is located on the 3rd floor of the Library. The Language Lab hosts thirteen computers loaded with language and culture learning software and web-based learning tools. The pre-loaded software is available for use on the lab systems themselves or can be downloaded to a CD-R/RW or DVD-R/RW for access on your own personal systems. All patrons must sign-in at the 3rd floor Info Desk prior to using the Language Lab. There is also a kiosk in the library across from the Language Lab with language materials provided for free.
Available Materials
• Army 360 Trainer
This is a series of DVD-based training programs where soldiers proceed through realistic audio-visual training scenarios incorporating the performance of military tasks with learning about specific regional environments. With a gaming feel, soldiers can use this program as part of self-development or pre-deployment training. Language Lab computers currently host 360 trainer for Afghanistan, Somalia, and Yemen.
• TRADOC Culture Center Education and Training (TCC; CAC required)
Lab systems are loaded with a wealth of power points, lesson
plans, handouts, exercises, etc. from the TRADOC Culture Center. Core Curriculum material is available for learning about culture
as a topic of analysis in military operations; these products not
only mirror but also provide greater detail for programs of instruction
used in ALU schools. Regional Expertise material features in-depth materials for
learning and teaching about the cultural characteristics of regions
and specific countries of concern to the U.S. For example, if you
click on Regional Expertise – AFRICOM, You will find four separate
regional folders. If you click on North Africa, you will find
extensive materials for the Maghreb (“North Africa” in Arabic).
• Rosetta Stone is an on-line learning program accessible through AKO, as well as from the shortcut in the folder.
• Rapport is an on-line learning tool for Iraq and Afghanistan that is required for deploying soldiers.
• Joint Language University (JLU) is an on-line resource requiring a username and password, also features DLI materials for download, in addition to a extremely broad array of language learning materials developed by the USG, global academia, and commercial providers. Shortcut links to JLU are hosted on Language Lab computers.
• Defense Language Institute (DLI) materials are resident locally on the computers, and are available for download by lab patrons. Languages of high current concern to the U.S. Army feature large quantities of Language Survival Kits and Headstart2. Languages of less current concentration in U.S. military training feature a basic list of Language Survival kits, along with a Headstart2. For each language, Headstart2 features ten modules, each including two Sound and Script and five Military Tasks. Sound and Script teaches the basics of the target language script. Each Military Task focuses on fifteen language drills based on a given topic or theme, such as greetings and introductions, or gathering intelligence. Headstart2 also features over 100 PDFs with writing drills that provide the user with the opportunity to practice writing the target script. Other features include a writing tool, a sound recorder, a glossary, and cultural resources section. Headstart2 exposes users to 750 key terms and phrases, and provides important communication tools needed in pre-deployment learning.
Please click here to see a current list of DLI materials hosted on the ALU Language Lab computers. Additional language learning tools will be added as they become available. Please check back here frequently.
