Working with Computers and Multimedia Software at the Language Lab to Promote Interaction in EFL

Resumen

Effective use of multimedia has not always been an easy task due, partly, to the absence of appropriate knowledge in the exploitation of this technology. This article explain how to make the language laboratory interactive and it discusses the nature of interaction during ten months observation of a group of students using "Discoveries" multimedia teaching-learning software. The study explores to what extent the computer becomes a dominant interactional partner; in addition the research reports the benefits of pair work around the computer. The ultimate goal of this article is to offer another opportunity for English teachers and foreign language programs to achieve objectives focused on technology and education.