Video Language Class

The portable cassette player had an important impact on the traditional language class back in the early 70’s. This invention made it possible, for the first time, to bring voices other than that of the teacher into the classroom. Exposure to a wide variety of accents is the best way to prepare students for the real world of English speakers. Not long after the introduction of the cassette player, came the videocassette recorder or VCR, which was also incorporated into the language class but to a lesser degree and, some would argue, with less success. Over the years, the quality and capacity of these recording devices have improved greatly and are now considered an integral part of any language class. However, the challenge of how best to use these devices is the same today as it was in the days of the cassette player. Simply watching the film is not enough.