October 14, 2008

Parlez-Vous Francais?

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Professor Robert Summers believes the best way to learn a foreign language is to immerse yourself in it with someone who speaks that language. That's what language students do at UAlbany's Center for Language and International Communication.

But don't take his word for it. Experience it for yourself.

At UAlbany Day on Saturday, October 25, Summers will demonstrate how University students speak directly to students around the world via web-based tele-conferencing, which provides face-to-face communication through computers. By using the technology as a tool for learning languages, UAlbany has propelled itself into groundbreaking territory.

"I think people will enjoy the novelty of speaking real time with people in France. It's another opportunity to provide meaningful and purposeful language learning.  It seems like common sense that this is the way people should be learning languages," said Summers.

At UAlbany, students interact with their counterparts at one of two Universities in Mulhouse, France. They discuss their interests, culture and curriculum -- half of the time in French, the other half in English. Along the way, students enhance their foreign language skills, as well as learn more about their own culture.

The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 1:45 p.m. in Humanities 354 and 311. It is just one of a myriad of activities and events during UAlbany Day, which will showcase how the University puts the world within reach. UAlbany Day activities will highlight the richness of the University's academics, student success, and campus life to the community at large, prospective students and parents, and UAlbany alumni. The day's events include faculty and student demonstrations, tours, a Farmers' Market, a basketball scrimmage, a tailgate party and the Homecoming football game against St. Francis.

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