Integrating multimedia technology in learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL).
Due to the current status of English as global language of science, technology, and international relations among countries around the world consider the teaching of English as a major educational priority. English as a foreign language is often taught in unfavorable conditions and as a result, high school graduates are not always competent of English. EFL teachers of some countries for whom this situation is probably encountered can share information about the problem and investigate the various alternatives to improve EFL teaching leaning process.
One alternative is to take advantage of the continuing advances in multimedia technology and to make an effort to integrate this technology with in-class instruction. It is well documented that multimedia technology can help with some difficulties associated with the EFL situation, such as large class sizes and mixed-ability classroom. And where multimedia technology has been used for EFL instruction, better results have been achieved with training students to be autonomous learners. This explains the growing number of schools with facilities for students to access computers and audiovisual equipment.
Numerous researchers have reported on the theoretical constructs that support the use of multimedia technology for EFL instruction. This research shows that using multimedia technology in the classroom:
- Allow the students to work individually at a computer station and according to their own needs.
- Helps teaches to deal with a large group of students.
- Makes the introduction and presentation of content more dynamic and attractive for students.
- Increases student’s motivation due to the interactive nature of activities.
- Allows students to experience real-life and communicatively meaningful language situations and contexts.
- Introduces a variety of print, audio, and visual materials that match different students learning styles and preferences.
- Is more appealing and entertaining for the students.
- Exposes students to authentic nonverbal and verbal elements of language.
To be realistic, teachers should not think that the use of technology can solve all the problems in language teaching. It should be based on numerous pedagogical considerations which must be thought in advance.
Key words: English, Foreign, Language, multimedia, technology, computer, teaching, classroom
Description: Due to the current status of English as global language of science, technology, and international relations among countries around the world consider the teaching of English as a major educational priority. English as a foreign language is often taught in unfavorable conditions and as a result, high school graduates are not always competent of English.
