Language Labs: Dying or Evolving?

Language laboratories have been must-have for teachers of ESL since computers were introduced to ELT domain. Nowadays schools are converting their classrooms into multi-media classes which are used as language labs as well. Now it is being questioned if language laboratories are still necessary in our times. In this study, the researchers aim to investigate students’ attitudes about using language laboratories. As direct users, how do students evaluate and feel about language labs? What should be added or changed in today's labs? What could be the possible implementations in the future? In order to elicit these answers, a questionnaire developed by Lokmacıoğlu and Balıdede was administered to the freshmen after a three-month lab instruction. The questionnaire was comprised of sub-sections surveying the effectiveness, problems and alternative language lab applications. Results of the study revealed that students are positive towards using language labs since this digital environment is motivating and helpful for students’ English proficiency. However, students are inclined to have separate lab hours instead of using classrooms as multimedia environment. This presentation will also provide an overview that students seem to follow new technological tools such as tablets and Kinect tools, and want to see them as learning materials in the labs. In the light of the findings, Institutions are recommended to modernize the labs with new tools and software and stop removing language labs totally. A well-equipped language lab including new trends and technology is still a need for students with their comforting and motivating atmosphere.