Back-channel Trainer

Instructions

Back-channel Trainer Instructions
Rafael Escalante and Nigel Ward
Version 2, Jan 26, 2007

1. Installation

  1. Download the installer
  2. Invoke the installer

2. Preparation

  1. Attach a headphone and a microphone
  2. Click the "Back-channel Trainer DX" desktop icon to launch
  3. Open the Settings dialog
  4. Load a Conversation File, chosing among the wav files in
    C:\Program Files\The University of Texas at El Paso\Back-channel Trainer DX\Conversations
  5. Close the Settings dialog
  6. Click Start

3. Testing

  1. You should hear an audio track; if not, adjust volume and/or audio device
  2. Test that the system is detecting your back-channels: the bar at the bottom will turn pink when you talk; if not adjust record level in record device

4. Learning

  1. Listen to the tutorial explanation at http://www.cs.utep.edu/nigel/dso/
  2. Press start again
  3. At each back-channel opportunity, say something
  4. Observe your score in the pop-up window
  5. For hints, check the "display visual cue" in the settings dialog
  6. Practice until you improve!