Energizing the Novel Teaching through Computer-Assisted Instruction

Abstract

Reading novels has been used as one of the effective ways to animate language learning. Researchers indicated that literature, especially novel, plays a significant role in ESL classrooms. The computer-assisted or the web-enhanced class uses computer technology and Internet to modify, enrich or energize several functions that are not achievable in traditional teaching approach. This paper will discuss the elements and procedure of constructing a computer-assisted courseware for teaching novels, and how computer-assisted learning changes the traditional face-to-face classroom in terms of variety aspects of content, the increasing of interaction, and monitoring the students' learning behavior effectively etc. In addition, we will inspect the perceptions of students regarding the use of computer in a novel reading class. Finally, based on this application of computer-assisted instruction in novel teaching, some suggestions are proposed to benefit the novel instructors' further research as well as students' growth of understanding in novel reading.