Chennai: The Tambaram City Municipal Corporation will set up comprehensive English language laboratories (CELL) at corporation schools at a cost of ₹1.2 crore to improve grammar, pronunciation, writing, communication and presentation skills using Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) software. The project will be implemented as a pilot, with one school selected from each of the corporation’s five zones.Each CELL will be equipped with one teacher computer, 20 student computers, 30 headsets with microphones and networking facilities. The teacher’s computer will serve as the central control system, allowing them to conduct interactive lessons, monitor students, share learning materials, record sessions and assess individual progress.Students will also receive training in soft skills, including communication, teamwork, presentation and personal effectiveness, to improve their confidence and employability.To ensure smooth implementation, the corporation has planned a three-stage training programme for teachers and lab assistants. The training will begin with state-level orientation, followed by district-level sessions and practical school-level training. Teachers will be trained to operate the hardware and software, manage classrooms effectively and prepare schedules for optimum use of the laboratories.Tambaram Corporation commissioner S Balachander said, “Over the past two years, we have spent at least ₹30 crore on education and developing corporation school infrastructure. This year, we have introduced robotics labs in two schools, which will be expanded. With the CELLs, students studying in corporation schools can become more competitive in English.”
