Abstract:

Ongoing technological advancements in the design and use of multimedia digital technology for improving comprehension of culturally authentic texts necessitate a clear understanding of the theory and pedagogy behind their use. Achieving effective and responsible use of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) with digitized multimedia-based instructional learning materials (termed here CALLmedia D-learning) is therefore essential to the organization of such learning. This paper deals with the theoretical considerations and didactic concerns involved in the integration of new interactive digital technologies into the instructional process. It first summarizes the benefits derived from CALLmedia digital technology with regard to language instruction, learners, and teachers. It then advances specific arguments for its integration with "conventional" instructional classroom practices. Based on recent research on learning with CALL and multimedia, it concludes by considering practical pedagogical implications for multimedia-based digital learning and related research using such technology.

Author: John I. Liontas