The audio files at ETseverywhere.com are in mp3 format. Most computers today will play mp3 files. Still, many English teachers consider themselves technically backward, and they shrink from the idea of anything more complicated than a cassette player.

There are many ways one can use these mp3s. Let me offer some suggestions.

Making an Audio CD: Yes, at some point you—or someone—will need a computer to access the audio. You are free to burn the mp3 files here onto an audio CD to play in the classroom. If you don’t have this capability on your computer, or if you don’t have a computer, find someone who does.

Using the Computer: If you have a laptop computer you can bring it to class and play the files using the computer’s built in speakers. For teachers giving lessons to small groups or private lessons, the volume level will be fine. For teachers with a large class, an option is to buy a small pair of speakers to connect to the computer. In the US, inexpensive speakers can be purchased for ten dollars now.

The Computer Lab: Many universities and some schools have language labs with computers or computer labs. Ask some tech-savvy student to install the necessary mp3s on these computers. Then you can bring the class into the lab and students may listen at their own pace.

mp3 Players: mp3 players are becoming more common. Most of them are the handheld variety and are used with earphones. But now these handheld devices can be set into a little dock with a set of speakers. In the near future these will be very common.

Cassette Tapes: Many schools will continue to use cassette tape players for several years. Not too worry. Do you have a tape recorder with a microphone at home? Even a little hand-held recorder? Set the recorder next to the speakers of your computer. Play the mp3 file and record it onto the cassette tape. The sound quality is not perfect, but it is functional.