online Learning

[Andre Cramblit]

On-line Language Training
http://www.kttc.com/News/index.php?ID=9569

ROCHESTER, MN -- Responding to fires is more of a challenge for  
emergency crews when the people they show up to help don't speak any  
English.

A new program is helping the Rochester police and fire departments,  
break down language barriers.

It's a computer based program and allows participants to choose from  
30 languages.

Spencer Goetzman is learning Arabic, which he hopes will be a  
valuable tool when good communication is necessary in an emergency  
situation.

Goetzman says, "When there's a language barrier you are really put in  
a tough spot trying to use hand gestures and get people to explaining  
to you as best they can. And, I'm sure often that there's missed  
communication that can cause problems but hopefully this will  
alleviate some of that."

Not only will it help those out in the field, 911 dispatchers will  
also put the program to good use.

Currently the program is in the testing phase, but if the departments  
continue to use it, the cost to use the program will increase and  
because of budget constraints, the number of participants able to use  
the program will decrease.
Updated: 2006-11-24 07:57:36