NEWS

Two market-leading technology companies have delivered a new and innovative interpreter training suite for Queen’s University Belfast.

Conference technology provider buk Solutions, and language teaching software provider Sanako UK, have integrated their products to offer a bespoke interpreting suite, which students on the MA in Interpreting are using to develop their skills.

After winning a tender bid, buk Solutions and Sanako collaborated closely to design a hi-tech solution, which provides students with sophisticated learning resources and a setting that reflects that of real-life multi-lingual conferences and seminars. Both are major benefits in preparing students for their chosen careers.

Together, buk Solutions world-renowned Congress Delegate Virtual Audio Network (CDSVAN) professional interpretation equipment and Sanako’s industry-leading software offers the university a highly effective learning tool – the first of its kind in the marketplace.

The suite was also designed to provide added flexibility, allowing tutors to plan tailored teaching materials as students progress, giving them more freedom to develop skills at their own pace.

buk Solutions’ Business Development Manager, Duncan Conway, said: “We are proud that our collaboration with Sanako has produced an advanced learning and teaching resource for students at Queen’s University Belfast. Although the project presented technical challenges, our approach meant that we were able to overcome them to achieve a market-leading solution for the university which is capable of transforming how the students learn the interpreting profession, thus entering the industry with excellent skills.”

Dr Piotr Blumczynski, Director of Graduate Studies and Convenor of the MA in Interpreting at the School of Arts, English and Languages, added: “We are delighted with the suite and have seen radical improvement in the teaching and learning experience. The equipment is of excellent quality and the software is enhancing the value of the interpreting programme. We look forward to seeing students thrive due to the suite, and introduce new students to the technology next academic year.”

buk Solutions’ equipment include laptops, microphones, dual delegate units, interpreter consoles, a tutor/ chairperson’s unit and a double-seated interpreter booth. Sanako’s innovative learning software, Study 1200 – the UK’s most popular software language centre solution – provides blended learning, enabling students to study and practice either in the suite or at home. Another first in the interpreter training market.

The interpretation system is fully scalable and can be relocated to another area in the university when required. The technology can also be further customised and upgraded in the future.

The joint buk-Sanako offering includes comprehensive aftersales training, video-based user guides, and 24/7 technical support.

Sanako software is used by the majority of higher educational establishments in the UK for their language learning while buk Solutions currently have systems installed in 11 universities in the United Kingdom. Last year, the University of Bath also invested in two new interpreting suites.

For more information, visit www.buk.Solutions, email sales@buk.Solutions or call 01223 411601.