Computer-Assisted Interactive Teaching Of Translation Based On Constructivist Theory

An analysis of the translation process suggests that we teach translation as a communicative activity. However, the traditional teaching mode of translation has not reflected this communicative or interactive nature. With the development of computer technology, application of computer has gradually integrated with teaching of translation. Accordingly, constructivist theory, a learning theory which has a mutual relationship with Computer Assisted Teaching (CAT), has been receiving more and more attention nowadays. Constructivist learning theory was derived in the 1980s from cognitive learning theory and in about 1990s applied in Computer Assisted Learning (CAL). It is considered as an important theoretical basis of computer-assisted teaching or learning. According to this theory, the learning process is not the passive reception of knowledge. On the basis of their previous knowledge and experience, students actively build their knowledge from their interactions with objects and the environment. As the subject of learning activity, students are the determinant in the cognitive construction of knowledge. The learning process is process of students' active construction. The teacher is the facilitator and guider in the learning process. As a result, the constructivism stresses the interaction and learner-centeredness in teaching.Based on the constructivist theory, a new teaching mode of translation should turn to: Teaching in optimal environment; Interpersonal interaction and person-computer interaction; Learner-centeredness. In our present teaching of translation, with multimedia computer software and tools, we could partly realize the new teaching mode. As for the first point, "teaching in optimal environment", we now have MS PowerPoint, MS Word, etc., as the tools of computer, especially Ms PowerPoint, which can provide teachers simple method of bringing text, color, pictures, sound, and video together to create an "on-screen slideshow" of information of translation, and make the input comprehensible and sufficient and provide a vivid context, thus creating optimal learning environment for students; For the second...