Nowadays, teachers can incorporate a variety of multimedia tools in teaching and learning.
Multimedia is the use of different types of media (e.g., text,
audio, video, and images) to present information to users. It is delivered via a
computer system with special hardware and software (e.g., sound card, video
adapter, speakers, microphone) or a software application that
incorporates varied media (e.g., Prezi).
in K12, the following are some of the most commonly used multimedia tools.
World Wide Web
The Web is populated with zillions of multimedia
applications, including online radio stations; podcasting websites (e.g., PodBean); video-sharing
platforms (e.g., YouTube.com), Web 2.0/3.0 tools
(e.g., internet4classrooms); and online trainings/tutorials (e.g., Khan
Academy).
Educational Software
Educational software exist in literally all subject
areas and can be used for instruction, reviews, and practice. They typically incorporate different types of media; are
interactive (i.e., allow students to input information and receive feedback);
and are accessed online (e.g., BrainPop).
Computer-based training
It is the use of software for instructional purposes. Widely used in industrial and business organizations, it is
also used in K12 (e.g., cbtcafe which offers video
training for different software.
Electronic books & references
Electronic books are digital texts that are available online and include links to different sources of information, as well as multimedia elements.
Electronic references are online versions of encyclopedias, atlases, and dictionaries with multimedia elements (e.g., Encyclopaedia
Britannica and Wikipedia).
How-to guides
How-to guides are digital texts with multimedia elements that
offer step-by-step instructions on how to perform a given task (e.g., develop a
Website). They are available online or on CD-ROM (e.g., Smartdraw for creating lesson plans).
Multimedia magazines
Multimedia magazines are digital magazines available on the Web. They feature multimedia elements, provide updated news
reports, and share best practices (e.g., TEACH magazine).
Online games
They are games with multimedia elements that students can play online using a computer or other
device. Some are educational and others are for
entertainment.
Peruse examples of popular online games.
Virtual reality (VR)
Virtual reality is the simulation of an artificial environment in
3-D which can be explored and manipulated by users. It incorporates different
multimedia elements. Some VR software requires users to wear special headgear,
body suits, and gloves to experience the artificial environment. There
also are a number of VR websites where users can play games or take virtual
tours.
Experience a virtual tour or view examples of virtual reality
games.
Teachers commonly use multimedia tools in the classroom to
- Create instructional
materials and deliver presentations
- Focus students' attention
- Show visuals and real-life examples
- Address different learning styles and forms of intelligence
- Individualize instruction
- Allow for self-pacing
- Promote active learning (i.e., interaction with content, peers, and the instructor)
- Encourage nonlinear learning (i.e., branching off to different websites)
- Review and reinforce concepts
- Provide for practice
- Carry out student
projects (e.g., digital portfolios)
Teachers can create multimedia presentations with application software and online tools.
Microsoft
PowerPoint
It is a presentation graphics
software that allows teachers and students to create customized presentations
comprised of slides with multimedia elements, including narration.
Prezi
It is an online presentation tool comprised of frames with multimedia elements.
Google
Slides
It is an online presentation tool that allows users to collaborate online and to create/edit multimedia presentations.
Emaze
It is an online presentation tool with multimedia capabilities.
References
David Lee EdTech. (2018). How to: Quick tutorial for new Google Slides Presentation 2018. Retrieved November 24, 2020 from https://binged.it/2D3T0is
Maloy, R., Verock-O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Park Woolf,
B. (2017). Transforming learning with new technologies (3rd ed.).
Boston: Pearson.
Microsoft. (2018). PowerPoint for Windows training. Retrieved
November 24, 2020 from https://support.office.com/en-us/article/PowerPoint-for-Windows-training-40e8c930-cb0b-40d8-82c4-bd53d3398787
Technology for teachers and students.(2016). Emaze tutorial 2016.
Retrieved November 24, 2020 from https://binged.it/2QzzPQ6
