Coming Up This Spring Semester 2024!

January 8, 2024

Welcome back! I hope you all had a restful winter break. The Language Commons is fully operational again this Spring Semester, and we welcome you to take advantage of the many opportunities for student learning and faculty development happening this semester. Here are some of the highlights:

 

Apply for a Small Activity Award ($300)

The Language Commons offers a limited number of Activity Awards to UVA world language faculty to promote language learning and intercultural communication outside the classroom. The award will provide funding for activities that promote language learning, intercultural exchange, and active inclusion of diverse and global perspectives. Grants of up to $300 will be available for use during the Spring Semester. I will begin reviewing applications on January 16, 2024. Learn more about the grant here, and please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

 

Join the Faculty Learning Community: Inclusive and Accessible Learning

Join A&S Learning Design & Technology to explore accessibility and inclusive design in a Spring 2024 learning community, scheduled on five Fridays with lunch included. Learn more and sign up.

 

LC International Film Series

For the annual Spring Semester international film series in the Language Commons, we will be turning our attention to the work of Taiwanese filmmaker Hou Hsiao-Hsien. For dates and other information, see our dedicated webpage.

As a multisensory medium of art, film complements and enhances language teaching and learning. I hope that students studying Mandarin Chinese and/or film will find this a valuable opportunity to learn outside the classroom. For an example of research on the role of film in language learning, see “The Use of Films as an Innovative Way to Enhance Language Learning and Cultural Understanding.”

 

Classes are Always Welcome in the LC!

Our spaces and equipment are always available to use during your class time if no other event is scheduled. See our website for a partial list of what can be found in our spaces, as well as the variety of resources that we offer. And of course, here is our event calendar, which is always up-to-date, so if you’re feeling an impulse to bring in your class the same day, just check out the calendar and if it’s open, come on down!

 

Use Our Podcast Studio!

Consider having your students use our Podcast Studio for an assignment. More information about the space can be found at this link.

 

Language Lab 

Reasons to use the Language Lab

1. Lab assistants are available to assist with all technology in the lab
2. Access to technology found in all Classrooms plus more options to enhance student engagement
3. Design for differentiated learning without distraction
4. Easily monitor students and offer immediate, personalized feedback
5. Easily document student work
6. Access to activities used by UVA language faculty in the lab for use with your classes (https://languagecommons.as.virginia.edu/lab-activities)

Things to keep in mind when wanting to use the Language Lab:

1. Reservation System: 
   • The reservation system is open can be accessed through https://ldtreservations.as.virginia.edu (sign in is required)
   • If you would like assistance with your reservations, contact (kfs7j).

3. Special Requests & Accommodations: Please contact Keith Samuels (kfs7j) at least 48 hours in advance with requests for technology or support. We will do our best to accommodate. 
4. New Users: Please contact Keith Samuels (kfs7j) to set up a time to visit the lab and discuss activity ideas and resources.
5. Available Software: The Language Lab offers a variety of useful software for your courses, including subtitling software, audio dubbing software, and audio editing software along with Proprietary Language Learning software to encourage student engagement and participation.

Have a great Spring Semester, and I look forward to seeing many of you soon!

Sincerely,

Chad Diehl (crd8y)