Young EFL Learners in a Multi-media Technology Environment in Elementary School: Integrating a Synchronous Interactive Network Communication System into English Instruction

[[abstract]]The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a multimedia technology environment on EFL children's learning of English and the effect of integrating a synchronous interactive network communication system (SINeS) in elementary school English instruction. The subjects were eight second graders who learned English in a resourcebased learning environment in a public elementary school in Taiwan. The data were collected from classroom observation, interviews, videotapes, teaching logs, children's writing portfolios and the recording system of SINeS. The results of the study revealed that multimedia technology environment facilitated children's listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Furthermore, the integration of SINeS motivated the children to communicate with their classmates. This study may serve as a good model of a language learning environment for elementary school teachers who are looking for ways to improve their teaching.[[sponsorship]]English Teachers' Association-Republic of China(中華民國英語文教師學會)[[conferencetype]]國際[[conferencedate]]20001110~20001112[[conferencelocation]]Taipei, Taiwa