Argument for Change1

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 that are spoken, pictures like videos, animations and illustrations as well as print media, than from words alone. This leads to construction of knowledge from words and pictures. The use of words only to pictures is not an appropriate way only to channel and enhance learning through multimedia, but sound and motion creates relativity hence a deeper connection to both teachers and students.

There are three assumptions to support learning via multimedia which includes:

Mayer’s cognitive theory which states that:

Multimedia education 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 ongoing process of organizing information.
• Dual coding theory- enables audio and visual creation of information in two mediums
• Every medium has its own storage.

Advantages of multimedia learning includes acquiring and giving information real time, use, easy access of information. While disadvantages include loneness, extreme expenses and technical hitches. Multimedia education excludes the social structure hence leading to individualism, it also fails to incorporate principles of effective learning. It can also be aided for misled purposes.

The use of multimedia in learning has led to negative effect on student attendance however presents of online slides created by PowerPoint has created negative effect on attendance. Also, multimedia learning has improved class attendance which resulted in higher performance among students. The use of visual aiding materials like computers and projectors enables audience view and receive information mentally and physically. An example, in lessons such as geography students are in position to view physical futures such as hills and mountains. In addition, Education is simplified since students can personally relate to events therefore they see the relevance of skills provided.

On the other hand, use of technology simplifies the teachers work to a facilitator. Technology will shift student’s attention from course materials to acquisition of computer knowledge and skills 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 training 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. Multimedia messages brings much attention to audience since it integrates all forms of audio, and visual as well as graphics 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 away 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