Author: Peter RL Smith The use of technology for language learning has come a long way since the invention of the phonograph by Thomas Edison in 1877. The intervening years have seen a wide variety of technologies for recording and storing sound, such as open reel tape, cassette tape, mini-disc, CD, mp3, hard-discs, cellphones and now the ‘cloud’. Meanwhile educational theorists have propounded a variety of methodologies for teaching and learning a new language. Whatever the learning method, frequent listening, speaking, reading and writing practice are generally regarded as the essential corner-stones of linguistic competence. ‘Practice makes perfect’ is a good rule of thumb, and a language laboratory provides the ideal structure to make this happen. Modern cloud-based language labs provide a cost-effective virtual environment which students and teachers can use together on a daily basis wherever they may be. There is no longer any need to install dedicated hardwar...