Barry Slaughter Olsen, Monterey Institute of International Studies

Using Virtual Learning Environments and Other Technology to Enhance Conference Interpreter Training

There are a number of virtual learning environments (VLEs) currently available and used widely in universities, particularly in the US, which allow students and teachers to collaborate via computer as a complement to face-to-face classes. Homework tasks, practice material, videos, feedback and marks can be provided to students electronically on a single site by selected teachers and students. 

In an age when young people are doing everything from in front of a computer, Professor Olsen will demonstrate how to take interpreter training to those computers.

VLEs can be used by individual trainers for their own classes only, or in a coordinated fashion by whole Interpreting Schools. As such, this training course is aimed at any conference interpreter trainers with an interest in improving their own teaching through the use of technology as well as at Directors of Interpreting schools who want to see what VLEs can offer.

Barry Slaughter Olsen is a practising conference interpreter, AIIC member, and Chair of the Conference Interpretation Program at the Monterey Institute. He has extensive hands-on experience using VLEs and other technologies to enhance Conference Interpreter training and will demonstrate the basics and provide participants with opportunities to work with some of the available technologies during this 1 ½ day seminar.

Computers will be available on site. However, if you wish to bring your own, WIFI will be available also. Participants will work with the open-source VLE Moodle during the workshop.

No prior computing experience is necessary. However basic computer skills are a plus.

Price: 350 Euro

Maximum number of places: 12

Priority will be given to AIIC members

Please complete the registration form and e-mail it to

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