About Languagelab.com
Languagelab is the world leader in a new approach to language learning. The approach combines the interactive and social potential of virtual environments with highly qualified, innovative teachers from around the world to provide a unique space for formal and informal learning. And all of this can be accessed from your computer. Learning in Languagelab is memorable and effective, realistic and immersive, targeted and informal, collaborative and enabling.
Languagelab.com was started by a group of educational innovators who saw the potential of virtual worlds to revolutionise language learning. Working with technical experts in voice technology and virtual environments, we have created an online language school that offers rich learning experiences that are impossible to replicate in traditional classroom settings. Languagelab teachers and support staff have considerable experience as language educators and mentors. They have all completed Languagelab's proprietary Life-based Learning training courses to make the very most of Languagelab's unique educational environment and resources.
Our students
Students from over 40 countries are currently studying English in Languagelab, and our team of volunteers (the Pioneers) have already starting testing the new Spanish language courses. Our students tell us that these are the best classes they have ever taken. They comment that our active approach to learning is helping them to build effective language skills. They also tell us that they're having a lot of fun, so learning doesn't feel like work.
The Languagelab learning environment
Languagelab exists in a 3D virtual environment and is housed in Second Life, an online community. Using a virtual body, called an "avatar", students and teachers can move around, talk and listen to others — all real people sitting at their computers wherever they are in the world. People talk to each other using Voice over IP technology and a USB headset.
The Team
David Kaskel - CEO and Managing Director
David Kaskel is managing director and CEO of Languagelab. An experienced entrepreneur and acknowledged expert in virtual worlds, David has been deeply involved with Second Life and related platforms for many years, developing some of the top in-world projects, including Theatron, Greenies, and Nowall/Backstage. A graduate of Yale University, Mr. Kaskel is currently doing doctoral research into second language acquisition in virtual environments at Kings College, London.
Shiv Rajendran - Operations Director
Shiv has extensive experience in building, testing and managing complex systems environments both in secure and public (online) environments. Mr. Rajendran started his career with an award winning 1st class honours degree in Computer Science from Brunel University and followed that up with his master's degree with merit in Digital Culture and Technology from Kings College, London.
Jessica Driscoll - Product Development Manager
Jessie has a Masters degree with distinction in Digital Culture and Technology from Kings College, London, and is a Social Anthropology graduate from London School of Economics. She is a fully qualified (CELTA) professional with experience teaching English as a foreign language in Chile, Indonesia and London. Ms. Driscoll has a background in Education, Customer Relations and Research for organisations such as BUPA, AA and Royal Mail.
Lee McFadden - Lead Developer
Lee is the Lead Developer and Chief Systems Administrator at Languagelab, and has over 9 years experience in the IT field covering network management, technical support and web development. Python has always been a key tool in all aspects of his work and is complemented by his knowledge of other languages such as C++, Java, Ruby and JavaScript. He is a long term contributor to the TurboGears project, having had SVN commit access since February 2006, and has had open source applications used by large organisations such as Fedora.
Chris Chambers - Web Developer
Chris Chambers, raised in London, England, currently holds a First Class Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Philosophy, and is TEFL certificated. A widely-read autodidact and technologist, Chris has a long-standing intellectual interest in improving education, technology and intelligence, and the cross-pollination between these areas. After a period as a freelance professional essayist and tutor, he currently works as a Web Developer with the team at Languagelab.com, specialising in Python, UNIX tools, SQL DBA, Scheme, functional programming, and various web technologies.
Susie Quddus - Marketing Administrator
Susie is responsible for online and hardcopy design activities for Languagelab. She holds a 2:1 Class Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design, and has extensive experience working in both 'above' and 'below the line' agencies, giving her a broad knowledge of designing for large and small clients. As a skilled designer and copywriter, she has produced Direct Marketing (DM) and promotional marketing material for both web and print, and has considerable expertise in a wide-range of areas including art directing, art working, designing, copy writing and proof reading.
MaryBeth Cranfill - In-world Operations Manager
MaryBeth manages an in-world team of 20+ people who hail from 15+ countries and provide 24/7 live help for students and staff at Languagelab. Her team's responsibilities include sales, giving live technical help (both from the website and in-world), down to greeting prospects as they enter Languagelab. Marybeth has an AA in Environmental Science and a BSc in Education with a Major in Social Studies and is currently working on a PhD in Multi-Cultural Education.
Registered Addresses
- New York:
- Languagelab.com llc, 32 Elm Place, Rye, NY, 10580, USA
- London:
- Languagelab.com llc, James Cameron House, London, NW1 8QW,UK
Student testimonials
Languagelab improved my English by 40% according to my Univesity tests - Ali, Saudi Arabia
Unbelievable! beyond what I've expected... - Virtualriver, Indonesia
Languagelab is a good place to improve your English, having fun and with a very good team of people doing a great work. I love English classes and I'm learning more useful English than in RL classes. There are a lot of places to be able to learn what to do, how to say... like in RL... to learn to be able to have a fluent conversation - Nika, Spain.
A class of its own! - Alias, Germany
It's a great way to learn english, because it is not that much stressful as in the real world and mostly I can make it in time, I don't have to travel that far to meet new friends who have the same interests.- Hoshy, Germany.
Languagelab is really useful to improve your English. You meet nice people who have the same purpose. The teachers are friendly and help you when you need it (for your English but also material things as micro etc...) I enjoy the variety of activities as lessons, parties and quizz. It's really fun. It's not easy to find people in your own country to speak a foreign language but Languagelab allows you to do it. - Laureen, France.
I have almost five months in LanguageLab, it has been a really great experience to learn English in SL and in LanguageLab, they always try to do funny ways to teach us, they send us mails remind us the class and class location. I love to learn there because its getting usual to speak English for me. So thanks for all your effort and i will be so happy to continue in this program. - Winnybeth, Guatemala
I like it's really good place to practise language. - Hwk, Georgia
It is a marvelous way to learn English and to make friends! - Chopa, Korea.
What I love about Languagelab is the use of all possibilities of this virtual world. I have made great excursions and visits with my fellow students from all over the world, doing all kind of things, and in the mean while practising my English. I like the diversity of methods, especially I like the quizzes and dance-events:). And voicechat helped me a lot to overcome my fear of speaking. Together with the enthusiasm of the teachers Languagelab is fun
Great opportunity to test your english skills against people from all over the world and also to improve your accent and grammar to upper level and why not to the top level?! - Sensi, Bulgaria
I think it's a good way to improve your english and an amizing way to meet interesting people. You can practice your english guided by your teacher in funny classes and events. - Lucane , Spain
What I love about Languagelab is the use of all possibilities of this virtual world. I have made great excursions and visits with my fellow students from all over the world, doing all kind of things, and in the mean while practising my English. I like the diversity of methods, especially I like the quizzes and dance-events:). And voice helped me a lot to overcome my fear of speaking. Together with the enthusiasm of the teachers Languagelab is fun - Woutje, Netherlands
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