Argument for Change

Argument for Change

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Argument for Change

Multimedia learning is incorporation of audiovisual materials to aid the usual print media (Keengwe, 2014) States that people learn more deeply from words such as spoken text or printed text and pictures such as video, animation photos and illustrations, than from words alone. This leads to construction of knowledge from words and pictures. Adding words only to pictures is not an effective way to enhance multimedia learning but sound and motion creates relativity hence a deeper connection to both teachers and students.

Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning is a theory that proposes three main assumptions when learn with multimedia as follows:

Multimedia learning has greatly contributed in current classroom where teachers no longer dictate facts to students but extend their knowledge and ask questions. The use of tablets, iPod, computers and iPad create a new atmosphere as compared to use of print media or text books. Teachers currently help to promote thinking and act as supporters. Teachers are able to apply the twelve principles of multimedia learning from (Mayer et al, 2005). to create different multimedia projects and lessons to their students. This facilitates creativity and change in learning process and makes classroom an exciting place for students to grow, learn and equip them with lifetime skills to enhance their future careers.

• Learning is a continuous and active process of selecting, organizing, filtering and integrating information on prior knowledge.
• Dual coding theory- auditory and visual for the processing information- two separate channels.
• Each channel has a finite capacity which is similar to Sweller’s notion of cognitive load.

Advantages of multimedia learning includes overcoming barriers of distance and time, economies of scale, and novel instructional methods. While disadvantages include social isolation, up-front costs, and technical problems. Multimedia learning is purported to facilitate individualism instruction it also fail to incorporate principles of effective learning. It can also be used for the wrong reasons for example for the sake of technology

The use of multimedia in learning has negatively impacted student attendance but the availability of other online resources such as PowerPoint slides had a greater negative impact on attendance. Also multimedia learning as improve class attendance which resulted in higher performance among students. The use of materials such as a projector or individual computers gives students the opportunity to view information or materials up close. For example, in lessons such as geography students are in position to view physical futures such as hills and mountains. In addition, learning is made easier because simulations allow students to visualize real-life situations, and motivation is increased as students are able to see the relevance of skills.

On the other hand, multimedia learning shifts the role of a teacher from instructor to facilitator. Also students who are not efficient with technology may have to spend more time learning computer skills to access information than focusing on course materials which may lead to failure in their studies. Multimedia learning is easy to use compared to traditional way because it’s appealing to students and lecturers, simply because it frees the teacher from routine tasks. Also reduces the raining cost to teachers and students. Multimedia learning is expensive to acquire in terms of software and also installation of this software’s and sometimes they are not compatible. People are more interested in multimedia messages which combine the elements of text, audio, graphics and video so students prefer multimedia learning to traditional learning.

Introduction of technology on learning has impacted a lot in the society, educational facilities, teachers and students both positively and negatively. Use of multimedia has exposed a high volume of students than ever before which leads to both high and low performance depending on the usage. Technology has taken away valuable learning time in classrooms today since handling students with different skills level hence have to be equipped with adequate skills and knowledge first to avoid technical troubles, internet access may be another problem in impoverished areas will call for educating students in technology more learning time is then required. When technology is overused it may lead to student distraction on what should be learned best mentally and physically during an interactive study. Most students use computers playing games making the teachers face problems during teaching and instructions. Technology should aid in supplementing the classroom curriculum not solely.

The development and application of technology is growing in the current classroom which plays an important role in shaping and general performance in learning and acquisition of cognitive knowledge. When teaching using technology, teachers or instructors must be aware of the hindrances can bring to the learning process.

The National School Boards Association should regulate learning using technology in order to equalize and achieve high performance as expected on standard tests. When technology is used inappropriately in learning it may take aware valuable time due to playing games and distraction instead of focusing on education. Strategies on good use of multimedia should be enforced and practiced for positive results in learning process.

References

Mayer, R. E. (Ed.). (2005). The Cambridge handbook of multimedia learning. Cambridge

university press.

Keengwe, J. (2014).promoting Active learning through the Integration of Mobile and

Ubiquitous Technologies.IGI Global