News

Video Studio updated over Spring Break

This past week, CAS533B, also known as the Video Studio, was updated with new paint and carpet, as well as new glass whiteboard replacing the chalkboard.  These upgrades compliment the technology upgrades installed during the Spring of 2021.  Over the next few weeks, minor updates will continue, including adding sound absorbing panels to the walls.

Book by James Geddes, Jr. entitled “The Geddes Seminar Room” (1938) recently discovered

Shawn Provencal, Assistant Director came across a treasure trove of hardcover books published by Professor of Romance Languages James Geddes, Jr., for whom this Center is named. The first one entitled the Geddes Seminar Room - 1938 - Waxman is rather brief but very informative.

New Film Acquisitions Fall 2021

Here is a list of newly acquired films from July 1, 2021 through January 18th, 2022.

News for Fall 2021

Dear Colleagues:

We welcome back all language faculty and graduate students and extend a special welcome to newcomers to BU!

This message contains useful information regarding our services and support at the Geddes Language Center as everyone returns for on-campus learning. Please read it carefully and direct any questions to geddes@bu.edu or to an individual staff member.

1. Software support:

• Our staff are prepared to support the following widely used software tools: DiLL (The Digital Language Lab), Blackboard Learn, Extempore, Confluence Wiki, iSpraak, Perusall, Zoom, Google Assignments, Kaltura MyMedia, and many more.
• Our recently rewritten Software Tools and Resources page is a great place to discover these tools and access videos about how they enhance learning.
• If you are interested in exploring other software tools, please let us know so we can be of help.

1. Services:

• Reopening the language center - our hours are listed on the Directions and Hours portion of our website. We ask everyone to abide by recently updated campus-wide protocols when using the lab, lounge, classrooms, and other facilities. Many of our student employees are new this fall; please help us help them to make a smooth and easy transition to on-campus learning.
• Film acquisitions, screenings, and policies - a limited number of films for use in teaching can be considered for permanent inclusion in our collection by filling out the Film Acquisition Request form. Other requests for room reservations, film screening requests, etc. can be found under Faculty Requests. NOTE: we are returning to pre-pandemic policies regarding film use and streaming--please review our Films and Streaming Policy (sixth heading under About --> Policies)
• Podcasting station and video support - please fill out a Faculty Request if you would like to request video recording services. To learn more about podcasting projects now possible in the curriculum, email Frank Antonelli directly at fantonel@bu.edu.

1. Programming:

• Workshops - this year each Geddes workshop will have a pre-workshop handout or video about the presentation, allowing the live sessions on Mondays to devote more time to discussion and application in our various programs. In addition to the current list of Upcoming Workshops, Brown Bags and Events, please let us know if you have a specific idea or request for a workshop--we left some dates open for you!
• Geddes Mini-Grants - the deadline for 2021-2022 mini-grants has been moved to Friday, September 24th. Details and information can be found here.

Thank you and we look forward to working with you again this year!

--the Geddes Center staff

Film Showings in the Fall

We ask everyone to plan for Geddes to resume in-person film showings beginning in September.  While we were granted an exception to BU’s policy on streaming during LfA to allow for films to be digitized and posted on Blackboard, this will no longer be an option once we resume face to face teaching.  As such, students will need to come to the lab to view Geddes films either individually or as part of a class group showing.

We encourage you to begin planning for this in your syllabi and to begin to make room reservations via our website as needed.  We will continue to allow instructors to have digital access for a period of time for preparation of materials or to make clips using MyMedia channels.

Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming services host a large number of foreign films for a fee.  For students who do not have or wish to subscribe to these services, Geddes will continue to acquire films to allow students to watch films in our lab.

Regarding streaming films at the Mugar Library, most selected titles will be available through the Library’s main streaming services: Kanopy, Swank and Alexander Street, with other services being used as required. Instructors are welcome to request any titles needed for course support via either the online Reserve Request Form or the Krasker Film/Video Form.  Additional information about both services are available at Course Reserves and Krasker Film and Video.

New Film Acquisitions FY2021

Here is a list of newly acquired films from July 1, 2020 through June 30th, 2021.

Geddes Annual Report 2020-2021

The year like no other! Read about it in our Annual Report 2020-2021.

Announcement: Geddes Advisory Board resulting from successful Faculty Workgroup on Remote Teaching

The attached Letter of Support - Recognition for Faculty Workgroup was sent to member of the CAS administration on July 27, 2020. We are thrilled that the members have agreed to serve on the newly formed Geddes Language Center Advisory Board, beginning in Fall 2020.

New Resource for Online Teaching

The Summer 2020 Faculty Workgroup developed an open site with wide-ranging solutions for language educators. The site expands on the live sessions (called "Pop-up Sessions") taking place throughout May and June. All session recordings can be found here.