Tactical Iraqi Language And Culture Training System
Tactical Language Training
When the Pentagon needs soldiers who speak Arabic, it can't send them to Berlitz or Babel Fish. So the Feds have enlisted other teaching methods, like this innovative videogame‑based tool from Tactical Language Training. The system's user interface and artificial intelligence simulate life in a real-world community, as in The Sims. To advance to higher levels, military personnel must converse with various characters by speaking into a mike, not only using the right words and phrases but also pronouncing them correctly. The missions are purely civilian, Tactical VP Richard Koffler explains; there are no "baddies" to contend with. The game is meant to convey lingo and culture, not to compete with more-thrilling action-packed titles. How do you say, "I come in peace!" in Arabic, again?
StickyShadows
Kamida
Tell the world about that fabulous martini bar you've discovered. With StickyShadows, owners of location-aware cell phones can leave virtual sticky notes for the next guy. While sipping gin, thumb-text a message. The next traveler to step into your StickyShadow will get an instant heads- up on his handset. Psst! Order the Boodles.
Buzz
Northwestern University
Follow the hottest weblogs without having to read them. Using an advanced text-to-speech engine and virtual actors, Buzz turns the written word into the spoken word. The multimedia installation identifies the most-searched topics on popular blogs and delivers the commentary in audible form. You heard it here first.
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