Multimedia Technology Aided Language Learning: A Classroom beyond Chalkboard

Abstract

In the last few decades there has been a tremendous change in the ways that languages are taught with the appearance of communicative and constructivist approaches and the introduction of technological tools. Teachers have realized that the educational universe should not be the “teacher centered”, but the “pupil centered” and stress is not so much on “what” as it is on “how”. To meet the need of the learners, teacher has to restructure the environment for effective learning and utilize educational technology in an integrated manner. Viewing the dire need of integration of technology in language learning process , this paper explores various multimedia technology applications such as Email, Weblogs, Online foreign newspapers and magazines, Web browsers ,search engines, Podcasting etc. and discuss their pedagogical benefits to meet the need of the learners.