Multimedia Sanako study 1200 for TEFL in institution of higher education

Abstract

© 2017, Slovenska Vzdelavacia Obstaravacia. All rights reserved. This paper presents a case study of using multimedia laboratory Sanako 1200 for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) at Kazan Federal University. The research outlines the basic functions and features of the software Sanako 1200, determining the benefits and drawbacks of this multimedia study in TEFL, and provides practical examples of its usage. The current interest in the problem lies in the growing popularity of the computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in higher education. On the one hand, with CALL technologies, instructors diversify TEFL methods and means, but on the other, introducing computer technologies can be challenging for teachers and learners. The purpose of the study was to reveal whether university students and teachers consider Sanako beneficial for their English language learning/teaching. The data used in this study come from quantitative (closed-and open-ended response questionnaire) and qualitative (face-to-face interview) methodology. To collect the data, second-, third-and fourth-year students (N=135) were asked to complete a questionnaire and teachers (N=10) were interviewed. The findings indicate to high motivation of university students to apply multimedia training tool Sanako in EFL learning. However, a number of technical hurdles revealed require special consideration of the problem. The findings have important implications for further use of Sanako labs at university.