This project funds a new networked multimedia computer and audiovisual equipment for use by undergraduates in order to link and reform the undergraduate component in two independent language research labs. This new equipment involves high-end satellite work stations with CD-ROM and multimedia capacities in each lab, to be centralized in one new interdisciplinary Cognitive Studies undergraduate research laboratory/computer room. The project assists labs in developing innovative methods of involving undergraduates in hands-on scientific (hypothesis-testing) lab experiences that they can integrate with the theoretical study of linguistics. A larger number of undergraduates can be integrated in a sustained research experience, providing a model formal mechanism through the university's recently established Cognitive Studies program for undergraduate interaction and sharing of resources across labs. In addition, the project introduces and integrates a third research group, Adult Second Language Acquisition. Several new courses are being planned on the basis of the new lab improvement. Demonstration materials regarding language knowledge and organization, including multimedia learning modules, available on-line, are being developed and integrated in new and existing courses.
