Using Audiovisual Materials & Computers in EFL Classrooms
Unit 24: Technological and Pedagogical Aspects of Using Audiovisual Materials and Computers in EFL
0. Introduction
Our new educational system mandates that schools equip students with basic digital literacy skills, adapting education to the digital age. Primary students should be introduced to the internet and multimedia tools. Foreign Language teachers must seek aids for more efficient teaching.
1. Technological and Pedagogical Aspects of Audiovisual Materials
Newspapers
Advantages: Availability, variety, reading for information (skimming and scanning skills), real-world connection, skills integration, cultural exposure.
Disadvantages: Unknown vocabulary, grammar difficulties.
Activities: Writing ads, letters, replying to job ads, completing cartoon speech bubbles, re-ordering paragraphs (at a basic level).
CD Players
Recording their progress amuses students. Listening to varied pronunciation inputs is important. CDs offer repetition and a wide range of available materials.
Activities: Listening to stories and music, completing written exercises, recording conversations for self-correction.
Television
TV commercials can teach critical consumerism. Television is attractive to children, but its main drawback is the lack of rewind capability.
DVDs
Watching film adaptations of books or audio stories builds confidence and enjoyment in listening to English. DVDs offer natural cultural insights. Documentary DVDs enhance content-based learning.
Watching DVDs should be an active process. Teachers should set the scene, explain activities, and guide students on what to look for. DVD selection should consider student interests, language level, and target content/grammar.
Tasks: True/false questions, predicting, acting out scenes, silent viewing, cultural comparison.
Video Cameras
This method is enjoyable as children love seeing themselves on screen.
Activities: Dialogues, group discussions, role-playing, sketching topics of interest.
2. The Computer as an Auxiliary Resource
2.1 Teaching English with Computers
ICT motivates children by personalizing and sharing information and tasks, maximizing interest and involvement. ICT offers a wide range of language learning tools for both students and teachers.
Risks include plagiarism and online safety concerns, necessitating a robust school policy. Activities should be staged into before, while, and after components, with clear tasks to maintain focus.
Activities: E-group email exchanges foster communication, cultural interest, and authentic language use.
2.2 The Digital Blackboard
Replicates computer functions on a touch-sensitive screen, enabling multimedia integration.
2.3 Webquests
Interactive tasks involve internet research on a specific topic, promoting authentic language use.
3. Conclusion
Technical aids increase student motivation, a key element in the learning process. Teachers should utilize technology to enhance engagement. The relevance of ICT extends beyond the classroom to all aspects of students’ lives.