Multimedia in the Classroom-The Future is Here

This week we have been asked to consider and reflect on multimedia in the classroom. Multimedia can be simply defined as using more than one medium of expression or communication, including images, video and audio tools. Multimedia is one of the most important elements of online learning, with a wide range  of video sites such as YouTube, TeacherTube, National Geographic (to name a few).  Furthermore major news providers globally have video uploads of significant news events.

Today’s society of young people have been described as ‘digital natives’ , simply meaning they have grown-up with a variety of technology tools such as computers, video games, the Internet, and cell phones. Such tools have been second nature to them and these sorts of devices are as familiar to them as radio was to previous generations. This simplicity with which they use and apply these technologies and skills is different from the way their older generation approach these same technologies. In this age of multimedia, it is important to make sure that all teachers and students alike are visually literate. The New Media Consortium (NMC), 2005 describes 21st century literacy as “the set of abilities and skills where aural, visual and digital literacy overlap. These include the ability to understand the power of images and sounds, to recognize and use that power, to manipulate and trans­form digital media, to distribute them perva­sively, and to easily adapt them to new forms.”

10 reasons to use multi-media in classroom 

 

Multimedia in the Classroom - The Future is Here

10 Reasons to Use Multimedia in the Classroom

1. Facilitate and develop a community of learners through online

2. Help students visualize difficult concepts or procedures more easily

3. Scaffold learning through activities enhanced by videos and online games

4. Make language and culture come alive

5. Provide a “menu” of authentic assignment options

6. Enhance accesibility through the use of powerful mulitimedia software tools

7. Enable visualization of concepts and their connections

8. Encourage collaboration and feedback

9. Make learning situated and personal

10. Helo studets document and present their learning through authentic assessments.

For more information on these 10 points please visit

http://www.globalgridforlearning.com/10-reasons-to-use-multimedia-in-the-classroom

As you can see from these ideas, educators can easily support instructional goals and authorize instruction through embedding appropriate multimedia tools.  Yes it takes some planning, time, and money but in the end, students will reap the many benefits. Not only will students taking more responsibility for their learning but also become aware of their learning, ultimately realising and appreciating their own creative potential in and outside of the classroom.

The Global Grid for Learning (2011) believe that integrating multimedia into our practice, teachers can capture attention, engage learners, explain difficult concepts, inspire creativity and have fun. 

Students need to thrive in a multimedia world

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