FAQ

1. What kind of headset do I need to use Languagelab.com?

To use Second Life voice you need a USB noise cancelling headset.
We recommend the following:


Why do I need a USB Headset?

2. I do not understand why Languagelab offers Events. If it is a Language school it should offer classes, not events. What is the reason for this?

Classes are very important because it’s where you learn new things, but at Languagelab we know that to improve your level of language you have to use it. And the more you use it the more you learn. Languagelab have created an integrated suite of classes, events, activities and one-to-one sessions designed to be used together to improve your language.

In many of the Languagelab events you are improving your listening comprehension in a natural way (you want to understand what the speaker is talking about) and can practice your English by asking questions and taking part.

In addition, the detailed written material sent out after every event will give you the chance to go through all the relevant vocabulary of a particular event.

3. What are classes in Languagelab.com like?

Classes take place in a 3D virtual environment where each student and teacher is represented as an avatar. People talk to each other using Voice over IP.

Pictures of languagelab are shown below.


For more information and videos see our about page.

4. How do I take a level test?

Click here to complete our free level test. If you have not already registered with us you will be asked to. This takes 5 minutes and costs nothing.

5. Why do I need a USB Headset?

USB improves performance of voice application by eliminating the sound quality reducing interference common to soundcard-based adapters by plugging directly into the computer's USB port.

With headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack, the sound card translates your voice from analog to digital signals. Because of the varying ways different soundcards translate these signals, some of the voice information is lost and this can degrade the signal quality. A USB headset doesn't use the soundcard and can interact directly with applications resulting in much greater voice quality.

Recommended Headsets

6. I do not understand why I should attend Languagelab Events: I can go to events of all sorts in Second Life

Of course Second Life offers many opportunities to take part to events, to talk to people and to enjoy yourself. However, at Languagelab the events are first and foremost designed to help you with your Language. The guests are not there to promote their work with journalists of fellow experts. They come to explain to you what they do, and they come to answer your questions (and to help you asking them, if you need help).

In addition, after all of our events you will receive an e-mail with support material that will help you learn new words and expressions... to use them in the next event.

7. Sometimes I would like to ask questions in the events but I’m very shy and I’m afraid of making mistakes or of sounding silly.

We are all here to learn and we all make mistakes. It’s normal and natural, and it’s the only way we can learn. If you do not ask questions because you are afraid of making some mistakes, you will not practise your spoken English and are will not exploit to the maximum the Event you are attending. Next time, try to ask at least one question. It does not to be a very complex question, it can be very simple, for instance an explanation of something that the speaker said. You will see that after asking the first questions, it will become easier and easier to ask, and in the end our events will be a nice and interesting dialogue between our guest and our students. Think how much English you could learn without even noticing it! Remember, everyone is there to help you, or to learn themselves.

8. Will everybody I talk to at an event be a native speaker?

Human beings (and avatars) are very social, and they are used to learning in a social way. Some events have a strong social component (for instance the Meet and Mix party) and you will be asked to talk to each other, so that you can know each other better, use the language to try to express what you really think, feel and do, and learn from each other.

Other events, like “My Top Destinations in Second Life”, are open to native and non native speakers. For the non native speakers it is a excellent exercise and a challenge, and I’m sure that they will learn a lot. We are looking for volunteers for “My top destinations in Second Life, would you like to be one of them?”

9. How do I reset my Second Life password?

Visit www.secondlife.com/password.

10. Your offices are in the UK and I am in another country, how can I attend classes?

Our school is online and you can access it from anywhere in the world. You can also access from home, work, university, wherever you have a broadband internet connetion and a good computer.

11. How can I apply for a teaching position at Languagelab?

You can submit your curriculum vitae to jobs@languagelab.com. We are always looking for new talent and will keep your cv on file.

12. What is the minimum qualification I need to teach English for Languagelab?

You need to be a native speaker of English and have the RSA/CELTA. Candidates with the RSA/DELTA would be preferred.

13. What is the minimum experience I need to teach English for Languagelab?

You need to have a minimum of two years practical classroom experience in the area of EFL or ESOL.

14. Do I need to have good IT skills to teach?

You need to have an understanding of and be able to use Word and Excel or OpenOffice. You will also need to be able to send and receive e-mails. Teachers will also be asked to write or read lesson plans on a wiki and check and post blog posts.

15. How soon before a class can I book it?

You can book a class up to one hour before, but this is subject to availability, which means that if you wait until the day of the class you might not be able to book it. You must also take the level test before you book a class, so you are placed in the correct level.

16. Can I cancel a class I have booked?

You can, but you cannot cancel it just before the class. If you have an evening class you should cancel it on the morning of that class and if you have a morning class you should cancel it the evening before the class.

17. What's the maximum number of students in a class?

The maximum number is 12, but there are typically 8 students per class.

18. If the 7 day trial is free, why do I have to give my credit card details?

You need to give your credit card details to verify that you are 18 years old or above and prevent abuse of our system.