Middlebury College was one of the originators of the language lab more than 70 years ago, and today the College is a world leader in developing and using multimedia educational resources. Nearly half of all Middlebury classrooms are technology-rich, equipped with computer, video, and/or laser disk projection facilities. Sunderland Language Center offers three interactive multimedia laboratories, along with about 5,000 total pieces of media: CD-ROMs, laser disks, DVDs, video, and audio tapes.
Students have access to some 200 desktop computers, both Macs and PCs, in public computer labs, all with full Internet access. High-speed Ethernet connections network the College, including all students' dorm rooms. Japanese courses incorporate a variety of computer-driven teaching and learning strategies. Video and audio materials for First and Second year levels are available on any computer, so that students can view and listen to authentic materials at any time in their dorm rooms or in labs. Japanese films, scripts, and anime in advanced language courses are also available on the Web to students enrolled in those courses.
Many Japanese literature and culture offerings are Web-based multi-media courses. Instructors can make use of conferencing and other electronic tools to extend learning beyond regular class hours. Middlebury's Web server functions as a campus-wide information system. All students are provided with an electronic mail account. For those who bring their own laptops, Starr Library provides network-access locations.