Beyond time and space - Computer-mediated EFL learning

Learning English in EFL context presents a challenging task to university students and teachers alike. This paper has analysed the relationship between language and culture; language and content; discussed how to bring En context to the students and how to create the language environment. In the light of schema theory, including formal schema, linguistic schema, especially the notion that content schema inhibits or facilitates human communication, this paper has explored the En learning practice and the possible solution with the emphasis on the latter. Eased on the discussion, an innovative approach to facilitate EFL learning process ---a computer-mediated EFL learning system --- is highlighted. The system is composed of four parts: background knowledge, linguistic explanation, content exploration, and a Question-Answer station. Throughout these four stages, En learning becomes a recursive process. As the system offers a variety of links and a frame of reference, students know where to find what they need in the language learning process and this helps them to overcome linguistic and cultured barriers in this way. The system serves as a gateway to the virtual foreign world where "real people" are using real language in a "real context".