eBook Developing Listening Skills through Multimedia - Diana Lazar

Descriere

Introduction: New technologies have changed people's way of life. Today's world is wired, globalized and suffused by technology and media. Along with the development of computer and information technology, the wide application of multimedia technology has opened up a brand new field for language teaching. Multimedia allows integration of text, graphics, audio, and motion video in multiple combinations. The result is that learners can now interact with textual, aural, and visual media in a wide range of formats. This paper is an attempt to focus attention on the multi modal features of the technology that can interact with the development of listening skills in a second or foreign language. The first part of this work draws attention to the importance of listening skills in the context of second language teaching and learning. The second part defines multimedia and outlines its important role in the acquisition of a second language. In the third part of this paper I will present some of the most important language learning theories and methods, and try to reveal their relevance to the teaching and learning of listening skills. How should the teacher develop listening skills using multimedia? The process of teaching listening can be organized into three stages: pre-, while- and post-listening skills and activities. These stages will be thoroughly debated in chapter four along with some relevant examples of useful activities that make use of the multimedia technology and that can be easily adapted for different classes and levels. Assessing listening is very difficult as it can not be done without bringing other skills into play. In chapter five, I will present different kinds of assessment, as well as different tools that help in the process of assessing students. Listening activities in textbooks are extended or alternative activities are provided to be used in class. Sample activities will be provided, organized according to the level of students, starting from intermediate, to upper-intermediate and advanced. The activities aim at providing the teacher with a set of ready-made materials to be used, according to the needs of the class. Varied and attractive methods will be used.