The traditional teaching model is teacher centered, with conservative textbooks and methods. To some extent, multimedia information retrieval technology can provide relevant information based on user query conditions, thereby alleviating the problem of information overload. This study applies image retrieval, audio and video retrieval techniques from multimedia information retrieval technology to vocational English education. It is recommended to include visual, auditory, and video materials in the course plan to meet the needs of all students. This will help ensure that the teaching objectives of each unit are achieved. Multimedia information retrieval technology may create a new learning mode in which vocational college students can use a series of mobile terminals for learning activities at anytime and anywhere, making learning more comfortable and personalized. A random double-blind survey questionnaire was designed to investigate student satisfaction and evaluate the effectiveness of multimedia information retrieval technology in vocational English teaching, in order to test the effectiveness of multimedia information retrieval technology in vocational college English teaching. According to the survey results, the majority of students acknowledge the performance of multimedia information retrieval technology in English teaching. Therefore, the application of multimedia information retrieval technology in vocational English teaching is conducive to cultivating students' self-learning ability and creative thinking ability. Meanwhile, multimedia information retrieval technology has improved the quality and level of information literacy education for college students.