From the Editor

Why Join SWALLT?

Oh, I know. Another group, more dues, more paperwork, why bother? That's what I thought too. Until I joined. This group and its parent organization, IALLT, together are the most useful organizations for those in the field of language learning technology. Many of us are doing our work alone at our institutions and SWALLT and IALLT bring us together with others doing similar work. Because SWALLT is local, we can more easily meet others who are nearby doing many of the same things we are doing. We can visit their institutions, their labs, and find familiar faces at larger conferences. We can get help and moral support from others struggling with the same technical, institutional, and financial issues. It's wonderful to get a fresh perspective from some of the very best in the field. Because SWALLT serves the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah, many of the pioneers of language learning technology from some of the world's greatest research institutions are among our members. There are also members from K-12 and community colleges in our midst who contribute their own unique perspectives. SWALLT members are friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and supportive (and sometimes all of the above!). Finally, SWALLT is inexpensive. Membership dues are only $10 per year. We offer two conferences yearly; in the fall, this year at the University of Nevada, Reno, and in the spring at the cutting edge Digital Stream conference at CSU - Monterey Bay. Our conferences offer a friendly, close-up look at new applications, teaching techniques, hardware, and software, as well as a safe place to present your work or simply share your successes and challenges. It's a great group of great folks. We need you and your expertise. Join us!

- Carol Reitan, City College of San Francisco

How to join SWALLT