Broadband Language Training System

Live Classes

Real Teachers and Peers

Building communities of language learners

The BLTS program at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) is an emerging distance learning program dedicated to deliver real time foreign language training to non-resident DoD linguists via broadband technologies.
Training is primarily intended for post-basic learners seeking to refresh, sustain or enhance their proficiency skills with the goal to reach Interagency Language Roundtable Level 3 or higher.

New technologies allow DLIFLC to reach linguists in isolated/remote areas, or at home, and to build language learning communities of life long learners.

BLTS courses use a combination of computer assisted language learning materials, virtual classroom tools, and Internet technologies to provide linguists with an interactive and collaborative learning environment.

Languages include Arabic (MSA and dialects), Chinese (Mandarin), Dari, French, Hebrew, Korean, Persian Farsi, Russian, Serbian/Croatian, Spanish, Vietnamese, and other languages upon request.

Virtual Classroom

The BLTS program virtual classroom and network systems are managed by the Army Training Support Center at Fort Eustis. The virtual environment in many ways resembles a conventional classroom.
Enhanced platform tools include:
• Multi-point audio and video conferencing with full voice-lip synchronization
• Synchronized viewing of documents and small media
• Instant messaging, (private) chat and whiteboard support of UTF-8 Unicode and right-to-left text display
• An anonymous whiteboard for drawing, typing, scripting and importing images
• 24/7 access to the community of learners and the ability to create on-the-spot interactive sessions for teacher consultation, group study and net meetings
• Session recording
• On-line help desk

Client-Side HW/SW Recommendations

The BLTS software is designed to function on PC systems equipped with the following specifications:

1. Operating System: MS Windows 2000, XP Professional or Vista is supported.
2. Web Browser: MS IE 6.0 or higher is required.
3. CPU: Intel P4 CPU  3.4 GHz  w/HT for instructors and Intel P4 CPU 2.0 GHz for learners (or AMD equivalent)
4. Memory: 1 GB DDR2
5. Hard Disk Drives: Serial ATA (SATA) Hard Drive 80GB
6. Networking: Fast Ethernet Network Adapter
7. CD/DVD Drives: CDRW/DVD Combo Drive
8. USB ports:  At least 4 USB 2.0 external ports
9. Integrated audio and headphones
10. USB web camera (The camera should have either Video for Windows or DirectShow driver.  It should be able to provide the video output in RGB24 format.  For example:
11.  * Logitech QuickCam Orbit AF, or * Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000)
12. Minimum screen resolution: 1024 by 768 pixels

Course Requisites

 • To qualify for admission, learners should provide most recent scores from the Defense Language Proficiency Test; or equivalent record of prior training in the language
• Although no prior distance learning experience is necessary, students should have solid computer skills, i.e. power users of software applications
• Regular class attendance, satisfactory completion of the asynchronous self-study component and homework assignments are required to earn a Certificate of Attendance
• Pre-Course and End-of-Course Diagnostic Assessment will be administered to provide individual learner profiles and subsequent training plans
• A program evaluation survey will be completed at the end of the course

Recommended Class Model*

12 weeks long, 2 to 3 days per week, 2 hours a day and 2-3 hours of homework.
*All training events are negotiable and can be customized for longer or shorter durations.
Week 1
Technical training and pre-course Diagnostic Assessment
Weeks 2-11
Course Sessions
Week 12
Program evaluation and post-course Diagnostic Assessment

Enrollment Information

Class registration is conducted through the DLIFLC – Scheduling Division. Enrollment forms should be sent at least one month prior to the date a linguist wishes to begin taking a course. To register, contact:

Scheduling Administrator
Tel: (831) 242-7476 (DSN: 768)
Fax DSN 768-5512

Scheduling Administrator
Tel: (831) 242-5847 (DSN: 768)

Tech Support

For Assistance with accounts, setup, software download/installation and technical training, contact:
TSS Reach at Army Training Support Center
(757) 878-5964, or DSN 826-5964

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Distance Learning
Program Manager
blts@conus.army.mil
Tel: (831) 242-4392 (DSN: 768)