The Pilot Study On The Re-orientation Of Teachers' Role In Multimedia Computer Assisted Language Learning

Computers were introduced to the education field in China in the 1970s. Soon after, an increasing number of universities and colleges adopted computer aided language teaching. Nowadays, computers are not only the tools for information processing and software operating, but the tools for communication, exposing learners to authentic language environment and promoting project-based language learning in the classroom, thus enhancing learners'autonomy. Multimedia Computer-Assisted Language Learning (Multimedia CALL),which combines the modern multimedia applications with network-support technology, is a kind of vivid and vigorous language learning and teaching environment. The introduction of multimedia CALL has made a great impact on the traditional English teaching. This kind of new teaching instrument brings up the new innovation in the teaching area and influences the traditional teacher's roles as well. Obviously, our educational system and the attitude towards teaching and learning must change, especially with the rapid development of modern civilization and technology development in 21st century.As a result of careful empirical studies and data analysis, this paper makes an intensive study of the reorientation of teacher's roles in Multimedia CALL environment. The author brings up the conception that the teacher's roles have varied from a person who transmits wisdom, imparts knowledge, and resolves doubts to the following six aspects: 1) the theoretician role 2) the innovator role 3) the motivator role 4) the gate-keeper role 5) the counselor role 6) the professional role under the Multimedia CALL environment. In addition, the author puts forward the circulation hypothesis on the reorientation of the teacher's roles in Multimedia CALL environment under which the teacher's roles can be divided into three phases. The first phase: the theoretician role and the innovator role; the second phase: the motivator role and the gatekeeper role; and the third phase: the counselor role. The professional role is a special role which occurs throughout the circulation. The author also concludes that these three phases are in a dynamic circulation process. This new circulation hypothesis is brought up by the author after her careful consideration and...