Examining students' perceptions of computer-assisted interpreter training

Audio-cassette recorders have traditionally been central to interpreter training facilities, including labs and interpreting suites. With the growing ubiquity of information and communication technologies, however, integrating computers in the interpreting classroom and exploring their pedagogical potential has moved higher up the research agenda of interpreter trainers. This study explores the effectiveness of a Computer-Assisted Platform (CAP) in assisting student interpreters with their interpreting practice. Rather than examining the usefulness of this platform from the teacher's viewpoint, this research focuses on the students' perception of what computer-assisted training offers them, comparing it with their learning experience using audio-cassette recorders. Subjects in this study identified five attributes as central to their perceptions of CAP-based interpreting training. The findings also suggest that subjects prefer the computer-assisted approach to the traditional form of interpreting practice involving audio-cassette recorders. The paper articulates the reasons for their preferences, and explores the potential of the CAP as an alternative approach to interpreter training.