The ASL lab is a very important part of the Interpreting program at William Woods. So much of the learning takes place there. For that reason it is also important for the technology in the lab be up-to-date. This will ensure that the students are getting the best they can, and can also be used as a recruiting tool. I started school in Aug 2003 and graduated in May 2007. I do not know how many hours I was in the lab, but it was A LOT! In the first week of class, we would have to sign up for a lab time, but that was not the only time we were there. Doing workbooks (watching the videos and recording ourselves), practicing with tutors, recording stories, getting clarification on segments that weren't understood, going in as a class to practice a video and countless other activities. Like I said, I began in 2003 with a new lab, but even by my sophomore year, things were out dated and not working properly. So by the time I was getting to the meat of my education, there were technology issues that interfered with my work. Equipment wouldn't work, or work the right way, so it would take longer to get things finished, not to mention the fact that VCRs were on their way out anyway. William Woods has a fantastic Interpreting program and is only one of very few that offers it as a Bachelor's degree. Keeping the lab up-to-date does a service not only to the students, but to the university as well. Everyone benefits.

--Emily Crites (2007)

“I started WWU in 2001 or 2002 when we still used VHS in the lab!  It was an excruciatingly painful and time consuming experience.  When we started moving to digital and DVDs it was much more effective, and worth whatever money was spent.  I was able to focus on the practice of interpreting and not worry so much about how to set up the video cameras and record and make sure the VHS player was on the right setting.  I graduated in Dec. 2005, but was not able to get an interpreting job right away.  I feel that improvements in the lab are essential for the success of the students experience after leaving college.”    

--Jennifer J. Thompson (2005)

“After graduation from WWU, I moved to Washington DC and started working full time for an interpreting agency here. What I learned at William Woods has helped me to be a more successful professional interpreter.
Although, my education was lacking in one area. The professional interpreting field of today demands a use of technology and complex systems that William Woods does not at this time have the capability of teaching due to the outdated technology of the lab.
A new trend in interpreting is the use of VRI, or Video Remote Interpreters. This is having a television with a camera set up in the place where an interpreter is needed, often rural hospitals or doctor's offices. The interpreter uses the camera and video monitor to interpret for a patient, sometimes across the country. Another trend is working in a Video Relay Call Center, answering and interpreting phone calls, again using the camera and monitor.
The William Woods lab offers no opportunity to get educated regarding this kind of interpreting, which sets graduates at a disadvantage when looking for work. The field of interpreting is moving more towards remote interpreting, and graduates need to be prepared and ready for this kind of work.
The only way for William Woods to be sure they are graduating students who are effectively trained and ready for the world of professional interpreting is for them to have the opportunity to interact with the technology. William Woods has a reputation of graduating interpreters who are prepared for the demands of the interpreting profession, but without an upgrade in technology future graduates will be at a disadvantage”

--Sarah Morgaine (2007)