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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Portage Library to present webinars on new databases June 15, July 13

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library will offer the public webinars that will explain how to use its two remarkable databases: Mango and Universal Class.

Shawn Leche, the library Director, will present the webinars from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, and Wednesday, July 13.

Mango is an online language learning system that teaches practical conversation skills for real communication. Each lesson combines real life situations and audio from native speakers with simple, clear instructions. The courses are presented with an appreciation for cultural nuance and real-world application that integrates components of vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar and culture. It includes over 30 languages and 10 courses which teach English as a second language. Patrons can choose a level of instruction from basic to complete courses that are more in-depth. The database features a fluency button to click on to hear a word pronounced at normal speaking speed.

Universal Class offers over 500 online continuing education courses taught by real instructors with remote, 24/7 access so people can study at their convenience on their own schedule. Patrons can enroll in up to five courses at a time and have six months to finish each course. A complete list of classes is posted on the library’s website.

Mango and Universal Class are available free of charge to all Portage Lake District Library patrons.

This webinar is free and open to all. For more information, please call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org.

Editor's Note: See our Jan. 15, 2011, article on these databases, "Portage Library offers new data bases for online learning."

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