Using Multimedia in the Foreign Language Classroom | Page 15

2. Part II

Part I provided a rationale for the integration of computer-based technologies

into a traditional EFL classroom and discussed how the exploitation of certain
computer applications can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the teaching
process. To demonstrate how this can actually be achieved, this part presents a model
lesson which was prepared according to the main principles of using computers in
ELT as they were presented in part I.
3. The lesson
The lesson is based on an authentic text about the Tower of London (see
appendix

I,

p.

i)

retrieved

from

the

internet

(www.thetoweroflondontour.com/kids/about.html ). It is chosen in order to replace a
specially written text with a similar topic which appears in the student’s book (see
appendix II, p. i) with the expectation that it will be proven more interesting and
motivating but also that it will give students the chance to come into contact with a
real example of language in use and to increase their knowledge about English
culture. The text consists of three paragraphs and it follows a chronological sequence
of events, exhibiting the characteristic features of narrative. A number of
accompanying activities which the teacher devised allow students to exploit the text in
order to get the information they need and to become aware of certain linguistic
features which are typical of the genre.
Although the lesson focuses on helping students acquire reading skills, within
an integrated skills approach which this paper adopts, opportunities are given for the
development of other skills as well.
The whole lesson is done in front of the computer screen where students sit in
groups of threes. This gives them the chance to co-operate and to use the target
language for authentic communication, while trying to do the activities together.
Finally, it should be noted that, although the computer has a central role in the
teaching process, within the context of an aims-first approach which this paper adopts
(see 1. 2 above) it is used as an ef