Welcome to the Language Technology Boot Camp Site. The first Boot Camp was initiated because the language residents at the Oldenborg Center at Pomona College did not receive any training in the use of technology in foreign language learning and teaching. Many had never encountered the possibilities that a private liberal arts college offers and most had not been familiar with the teaching and learning styles and philosophy prevalent at our institution.

Therefore the first Boot Camp was conducted at Pomona College in August 2006. After talks with colleagues at other colleges I found that this was a novelty, as usually only faculty get trained in these matters and that language residents or assistants usually fall through the cracks. But especially these teacher/students are the ones with a lot of enthusiasm, current cultural knowledge, native-speaker abilities, and a more open and relaxed relationship with new technologies and possibilities.

As I was planning the 2007 Boot Camp, which underwent several changes, the idea was born that all this work and preparation should be shared, and also that if others contributed to this Boot Camp, the program would be better than if only I prepared everything.

So I applied for a NITLE grant together with Luz Forero from Occidental College, which was ultimately awarded to us. I filmed the improved 2007 Boot Camp and updated the Boot Camp Manual. These materials will be used to improve the program even further.

Ideally we will have a number of ready-to-use instructional materials that help with the training of language assistants and residents - or anyone who is interested. I envision short video clips, a multimedia manual, downloadable sample lessons, templates, and ready-to-use teaching materials.

All materials will be freely accessible and can be modified as long as the source is quoted. They are available for non-commercial distribution and use. (We'll get a Creative Commons License soon). Why? Well, for one because language technologists are nice people, but also because the material changes so quickly that a traditional publication would be impossible produce. The Boot Camp manual will have a new edition once a year.

This project is all about collaboration. If you have read the introduction, you know what we are trying to accomplish and why. Here are some ways through which you might benefit from and interact with the Language Technology Boot Camp.

- Download all our materials and use them to train others (or yourself, for that matter). Please, go ahead, the more people use these resources the better. Mix and match, make alterations, change text, images or design. We just ask you to quote the source (a reference to this web site would be great). Use for commercial purposes is not permitted.

- Is there something we should or could change? Did you find a mistake? Let us know! Please note that these small tips will not get you a place in the list of contributors and authors, but you will get our most sincere thanks for your help.

- If you're ready to contribute more substantially, please don't hesitate to contact us. There are many ways in which you could help. Write a chapter for the manual, submit a sample lesson plan or digital teaching materials, or contribute a video tutorial on a topic not yet covered. You will be added to the list of contributors to acknowledge your work and support.

All materials will be carefully selected and edited. The goal is to focus more on quality than quantity. We pay close attention to a standardized, clean and professional design and reserve the right to change fonts and design of your contribution if necessary. All submitted materials must abide by copyright and privacy laws.

I hope you'll join us and help this project grow.
Felix Kronenberg - FLRC (Pomona College)