Integrating Interactive Multimedia and Web Applications in Teaching Essay

Integrating Interactive Multimedia and Web Applications in Teaching - Essay Example The significance of investigating this integration remains, however, considering that listening now is the cornerstone of language acquisition (Krashen et al., 1994) and a fundamental activity in L2 acquisition process (Dunkel, 1991a; Krashen, 1982; Rost, 1993). Likewise, studies indicate that the social dynamics of listening have gained more significance in the study and use of LC for L2 (Lynch, 1988; Rost, 1990; Rubin, 1994). Increasingly, more emphasis is now being given to the processes of interaction and meaning-negotiation while focus shifts away from listening as a mental process internal to the listener (Doughty, 1991; Dunkel, 1991b; Pica, Young, & Doughty, 1987; Robinson, 1991). Researchers are also refining their understanding of the key differences and similarities between reading and listening (Canale, 1984; Hoven, 1991; Lund, 1991; Swaffar & Bacon, 1993). For all the above reasons and more, a model designed to facilitate such integration process is being proposed. In a nutshell, the model suggests an integration process based upon theoretical, pedagogical, and technical grounds accompanied by a user-centered approach for software design. It is argued that this model might lead to a successful integration of interactive Web applications for teaching listening comprehension. The model components will be discussed respectively. Toward a Constructivist Approach Two contradictory views of the most common theoretical frameworks of contemporary CALL exist. Felix (2002) claims that a quick look at the literature in language learning and technology will reveal that there is a move away from the static transmission models of knowledge and skill acquisition, which are instructivist vs. constructivist, tending towards more contextualized, authentic, and meaningful tasks in language learning. These three characteristics are underscored in three recent approaches in language learning and technology: the collaborative learning approach, the problem solving approach, and the constructivist approach. This study will adopt the definition of constructivism which believes that human knowledge is constructed and learners construct their own experience and understanding through assimilating current experience with previous internalized knowledge. Moreover, learning is seen as a collaborative, autonomous, socially negotiated process, which takes place when su pported by a rich environment (Ruschoff & Ritter, 2001). Pachler (2002), however, claims that traditional behaviorist modes, which I believe depends partly on transmission models (i.e., repetition in listening/speaking), are still very common in the world of CALL. The breaking of learning tasks into small manageable steps to drill and

Mass Media Effects Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Mass Media Effects - Assignment Example various advertisements like Coca-Cola which infiltrates the mind with regular visit to the site and makes the interfaceof the various websites attractive.Through this, mass media gets its way into the people of different walks of life. The advertisements featuring Coca-Cola involve participation of the young generation at their prime with a lot of energy.The other one involve all age groups and the obvious audience in this advertisement is the young population of the Coca-Coala global market who would like to associate themselves with such an imaginary life full of entertainment. The values associated with the advertisement is all about team spirit and cultural diversity and this is the common denominator between the two adverts. From the example of the role of media in spreading Nazi propaganda against the Jews, it can be seen that mass media is one of the most lethal tool for influencing behavior of the mass(Cogan, Brian, and Tony Kelso,168) .A typical recent experience of the effect of Media is the congoing Arab revolution that stated with media incitement of the citizens through social netwoirking sites like facebook and ther. The Rwandan genocide of 1994 in Africa is also a quick remind of the influence of mass media in confusing people. The same influence of media has been used over time by some media channels like Aljazeera to propagate anti US ideas.US on the other hand uses the same tool like the live broadcast of the attack on AlQaeda mastermind to show the world its efforts towards elimination of terrorism. Media manipulaytes the psychology of a mass and once the majority shows interest towards a given course of action then any other antagonist or different idea islikely to be overwhelmed in an individual hence being swept into the opinion of the mass. Tis is the concept applied in political propaganda and