| Any person who is serious at learning a new language | | | | MP3 files. This can also be used to connect a |
| must have the essential equipment that this endeavor | | | | cassette recorder to a computer or a short-wave |
| requires. Just like any soldier who is out to take on a | | | | radio. When this is done, internet broadcasts and radio |
| battle, the learner must also be prepared to face this | | | | transmissions can be recorded in the language that is |
| obstacle with the right tools. | | | | being learned. |
| First, a language learner must consider how he aims to | | | | Â- A computer complete with speakers and |
| learn a foreign language. There are two settings-one is | | | | sound card that comes in at least a Pentium III version. |
| a classroom setup and the other is the self-learning | | | | The computer must also have a large hard drive since |
| setup. Either way, there are necessary gadgets that | | | | this will be used on the creation of MP3 files. |
| need to become a part of the language learning | | | | Â- A portable MP3 player is best used for |
| system. | | | | learning languages while on the go. For instance, a |
| Language Learning Gadgets and Their Features | | | | learner could easily review his language lessons by |
| Â- A good microphone must have two separate | | | | listening to them while doing chores or while traveling. |
| plugs-one is for rem and the other one is for mike. This | | | | An MP3 player is handy and is best for those who |
| means that the microphone must have a switch that | | | | would want to convert their idle time into productive |
| would be able to turn a cassette recorder on and off. | | | | time. |
| Along with a switch, the microphone must be powered | | | | Optional Language Learning Equipment |
| by a reliable battery. The microphone must also be just | | | | Â- A CD-Rom drive is necessary for transferring |
| the right size so that it would be handy to use in public. | | | | MP3 files into CDs. Doing this would save a lot of disk |
| A lapel microphone would be a good investment as | | | | space and the CD versions could be shared with other |
| well. | | | | learners as well. |
| Â- A cassette recorder must have all of the | | | | Â- A Digital recorder is the high-end version of |
| following features: tape counter; two side-by-side jacks | | | | cassette tapes. Any serious language learner must |
| for the rem (for remote) and mike (for microphone); an | | | | accept the fact that there will come a time that |
| option to use a DC jack or batteries; a headphone | | | | cassette tapes will become obsolete as well as |
| jack; an external speaker; and a DC adaptor. | | | | cassette players. For easier playback and usage, digital |
| Â- Blank tapes would always be a part of each | | | | recorders must be a necessary investment for any |
| language learner's necessities especially the ones that | | | | language learner. |
| come in 60-minute and 90-minute tapes. | | | | To be able to learn a new language, any learner must |
| Â- A patch cord which would connect the | | | | be prepared with the right set of equipment. Learning |
| computer's microphone jack and the tape recorder's | | | | would definitely be much more difficult without these |
| earphone jack. This cord is vital for the creation of | | | | gadgets. |