A Study Of Multimedia Computer-assisted Language Learning And Its Design In Middle Schools

Multimedia computer-assisted language learning (MCALL) is one of the most important aspects in the research of foreign language teaching and learning(FLTL). MCALL can best facilitate and motivate students' independent learning and active learning by taking advantage of multimedia computer's integration of text, sound, graph, image and animation to present the learning content in an efficient way. Theoretical and practical research concerning MCALL is still inadequate in the realm of foreign language teaching and learning. So it results in low efficiency of MCALL. Based on the study and analysis of current situations of MCALL in middle schools of China, this thesis illustrates systematically the application and design of MCALL related to middle school English listening, speaking, reading and writing. The paper aims at promoting teachers' initiatives of integrating multimedia computer into their English teaching and paying much attention to the design of MCALL.This thesis includes five chapters.Based on the analysis of the abilities in MCALL of the English teacher in our country and on the comprehension of the English Curriculum Standards for Full-time Compulsory Education and High School (Experimental Edition), Chapter One expatiates the backgrounds and significances of this study and puts forward its characteristics and creativities.Chapter Two begins with the definition of MCALL in this paper and gives an overview of the development of MCALL. It also illustrates some basic principles of MCALL that makes it incomparable to the traditional English classroom teaching.Chapter Three presents four important topics including listening, speaking, reading and writing in middle school English teaching. Each topic expounds four aspects: its summaries, advantages, teaching methods and theoretical foundations. This part also introduces a lot of practical and feasible teaching methods to help teachers integrate theory with practice of MCALL.Chapter Four addresses itself to the design of middle school English teaching, which is the soul of MCALL. It defines the concept of MCALL design, analyzes the present situations of MCALL design and explores a kind of MCALL design module. The design module is the most important part of this thesis. It illustrates how multimedia computer can indeed assist English teaching and learning in middle schools by designing Unit 7 of SEFC 1A. With this module, students needn't be soafraid of making mistakes and losing face. It is task-based, so that learners will learn on their own initiative, instead of being the mere receptacle of knowledge. It does not rely solely on learner-computer interaction, but it also creates opportunities for communication among learners as well as between the teacher and learners. The module bridges the theories and the applications of the theories.Chapter Five presents my reflections on MCALL. After all, MCALL is still new to most middle school English teachers and there are some problems we need to study on. This part accounts for five problems of MCALL and provides suggestions for each problem to help English teachers promote their teaching.