The Use of Multimedia in English Teaching

The Use of Multimedia in English Teaching

The Definition of Multimedia
          The use of computers to present text, graphics, video, animation, and sound in an integrated way. When we talk about multimedia, a term CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) should not be ignored.

Components of Multimedia
         Multimedia is composed of various components: text, graphics, animation, sound, and video components can contribute differentially to the learning of material
Text       " We can use ordinary text or various typographic effects for emphasis or clarification in English teaching.

" Teachers can use different font size, color, and style to prcsent information emphasize a certain word or phrase.

Graphics " it refers to images and pictures, such as chart, diagram, and photograph, which contain no movement.

" Graphics plays a very important role in language teaching process.

Animation" Animation is the rapid display of a sequence of images of 2-D or 3-D artwork or model positions in order to create an illusion of movement.

" Teachers can highlight key knowledge points and heighten students' motivation

Sound" It is speech, music, or any other sound that is stored and produced by computers.

" Teacher can use more vivid and fruitful sound to help students’English learning.

 Video  " Video can offer more vivid information. But it will consume more storage space than animation.

The setting of Multimedia Classroom

To ensure that readers can obtain a better understanding of multimedia English teaching, an illustration of 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; Projecting apparatus;
(7) The Internet access;
(8) Cassette tape recorder,
(9) Camera recorder.