I believe it is very important to expose children from an early age to multimedia and multimodal methods. These forms of technology can also be used for educational purposes which seems to be functional. Study conducted by Cutrim Sechmid, E. (2008) demonstrated that students found 'paper handout for the delivery of information were boring', stating that they 'either catch student attention nor stimulate their interest in learning'.
Engaging a classroom with young children can be challenging, however the use of technology helps children interact. Using technology such as PowerPoint slides, CD’s, audio books, digital videos and IWB’s instead of words can help construct and understand ideas.
Here is a video presenting why teachers should try multimodality within the classroom.
Cutrim Schmid, E. (2008). Potential pedagogical benefits and drawbacks of multimedia use in the English language classroom equipped with interactive whiteboard technology. Computers & Education, 51(4), 1553-1568.
I agree that multimedia and multimodality are both significant in a classroom, however, sometimes paper handouts are a necessity. When preparing students for exams it is important to have a balance as exams are paper based. Whilst multimedia and multimodality may provide students with the knowledge needed experience in writing a mock exam is equally important.
ReplyDeleteWriting Centre. (2016) Editing. [Online] Available at: http://www.umaryland.edu/media/umb/oaa/campus-life/writing-center/documents/Editing.pdf (Accessed: 10.01.2017)
Writing Centre. (2016) Revision. [Online] Available at: http://www.umaryland.edu/media/umb/oaa/campus-life/writing-center/documents/Revision.pdf (Accessed: 10.01.2017)
Daniel Willingham asks the question "Why do student remember everything that's on television and forget what's been said in lectures?". I believe that us answer is simply visual media helps students retain information easier (Bransford et al, 1999).
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree Shell that paper handouts can be a necessity, I believe if you pair tem with other multimodal/multimedia concepts, a students learning experience can be enhanced.
Below is a link to a useful website that provides easy tips for teachers to incorporate multimedia in the classroom:
Media to enhance Learning
Bransford, J, Brown, A, and Cocking, R (1999) How People Learn - Brain, Mind, Experience, and School. Washington DC. National Academy Press.
Willingham, D (2009). Why Don't Students Like School? San Francisco. Jossey-Bass