Mandernach, J. (2009). Effect of Instructor-Personalized
Multimedia in the Online Classroom. International
Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 10(3), 1-19.
SUMMARY
According
to dictionary.com the term multimedia is, “the
combined use of several media,
as sound and full-motion video in computer applications.” I think we use
multimedia constantly in the classroom whether we call it that or not.
The journal article by Jean Mandernach is a recounting study
of conducted through a college psychology course that examines the types of
student engagement through various use of multimedia in the course. They use
the theory of multimedia by Doolittle, “web-based multimedia represent the presentation
of instruction that enables more then one delivery media, presentation mode,
and/or sensory modality” (2001, p3).
The study relied on the basic learning principles of the
cognitive theory of multimedia:
1. Meaningful
learning occurs when a learner selects relevant information, organizes the
information, and makes connection between corresponding representations.
2. Each
working memory store has limited capacity.
3. Human
have separate systems for representing verbal and nonverbal information.
Using
screenshot and visual audio, the professor taught several courses. Each course
was designed to see the educational value of multimedia and if it is dependent
upon appropriate inclusion of multimedia supplements to enhance the cognitive
impact of the text.
There was a control group, a video
only group, an audio power point group and finally a video plus power point
group. The content was exactly the same for each class, the variable was the
instruction.
The
overall result was that students focused on performance engagement rather than
skills, emotional or participation engagement. A number of students chose to respond
to the professor praising the course that utilized multimedia. They stated that
it was more interesting, they learned more than in other classes and some even
changed their major.
REFLECTION
With technology being a forefront of
many children’s early learning, I think that it is important that we understand
when we try to teach them the “traditional” curriculum. Students learn in a variety
of ways and with technology almost immediately. When planning lessons, I think
that it is an advantage of having the same message/lesson come across in a variety
of ways. This can not only increase the engagement of the students, but also
allow for students to have a greater understanding of the content since it is
presented multiple times and in a variety of ways.
I think is also beneficial if students
can utilize multimedia as an assessment to their learning. The key part if
teaching them what multimedia is and showing how to use it effectively. Just
because there is a video embedded into a power point presentation or they use
WeVideo, the content may still be lacking. This is a continued struggle even
with adults.
