The Use of multimedia in English Teaching

The Use of multimedia in English Teaching

The definition of Multimedia

            Multimedia: the use of computers to present text, graphics, video, animation, and sound in an integrated way. Since the media can be integrated by using computer, the multimedia has close relation with CALL. Sometimes people even use CALL to stand for multimedia.

            Although the definition of multimedia is very simple, making it work is very complicated.

Components of Multimedia

            Multimedia is composed of various components: text, graphics, animation, sound, and video. These components can contribute differentially to the learning of material.

The Setting of Multimedia Classroom

            To ensure that readers can obtain a better understanding of multimedia English teaching, an illustration of a typical one-multimedia-PC classroom setting is vital and necessary

1.      MPC – multimedia personal computer;

2.      VCD/DVD player – video compound disk/digital video disk;

3.      Amplifier and Hi-Fi acoustic system;

4.      Overhead/slide projector;

5.      Screen/curtain;

6.      Projecting apparatus;

7.      The Internet access;

8.      Cassette tape recorder;

9.      Camera recorder.

The Necessity of Multimedia in English Teaching

The Necessity of Development of Modern Educational Technology

            The development of modern educational technology not only promotes the development of educational methods and means, but also promotes the development of educational thinking and model.

The Needs of Quality Education

            Multimedia English teaching provides a good educational platform and adds vigor for quality education, enabling students to change and update their thinking from the traditional teaching, thereby enhancing the quality of all aspects.

The multimedia Teaching

            Many studies have shown that many students are tied of traditional English classes, and are interested in new style learning.

Advantages

            Arousing the students, interest.

            Improving students’ self-learning ability.

            Improving students’ innovative ability.

            Cultivating students’ communication skills.

            Increasing classroom capacity.

Problems

            Confusion.

Performance on behalf of the lead.

            Lack of special skills.

            Over-use of multimedia.

            Lack of interaction between teachers and students.

Strategies for Using Multimedia

Combining Modern Teaching Methods with Traditional Teaching Methods

Viewing Multimedia as the Assistance to Teaching

Building the Ideal Relationship Between Teachers and Students

Strengthening Teacher Training

            The Principles of multimedia-Assisted Teaching

1.      Scientific principle.

2.      Subsidiary principle.

3.      Interactivity principle.

4.      Combination principle.