Evaluating Media Characteristics Using multimedia to achieve learning outcomes

Evaluating Media Characteristics

Using multimedia to achieve learning outcomes

Definition

A means of effecting or conveying something

A channel of communication A condition/environment permitting

something to flourish

Overview

Text Audio Visuals Video Software Live/F2F Collaborative Integration

Role of Text

Positives: Surveyable Easy to produce Low bandwidth Familiar Many readers Not much

specialization

Negatives: Overused Passive 100% learner

motivation Time lag

Text

Our experience Paper and digital Manuals Chat, discussion Learning materials Knowledge sharing – i.e. “blogging”

Text

Learning outcomes Simple to complex Suited to synthesis/evaluation Reflection – due to time lag

Role of Audio

Positives: Two-way interaction Enrich a text only course Useful for explanations,

accessibility, pronunciations

Great for auditory learners

Speed – faster than typing (and less inhibitive)

Negatives: Easy to tune out Text read – limits

pace – user needs to be able to disable

Need professional “voice”

Extended audio needs to be indexed – time/expense

Audio

Our experience VoIP – PalTalk, Groove Polycom Audio pronunciations

Audio

Learning outcomes Across spectrum Presentation Explanations Dialogue Analysis Synthesis

Role of Visuals

Positives: Abundance Low cost (if using

clipart/digital camera) Versatile – use for any

learning task Low bandwidth (if done

right) Enrich learning

material

Negatives: Can be poor quality Motion/animation can

be expensive Time consuming Involved if using

graphic artist

Visuals

Our experience Digital pictures Graphics – Internet Graphic artist – designing Enriches text – “picture is worth a

thousand words” Animations

Visuals

Learning outcomes Knowledge Comprehension Explanations Demonstrations Conceptualizing abstract concepts Contrasting

Role of Video

Positives: Visual Personal medium Many viewers/large

audience Detail complex tasks Ability to review Increased variety –

CD, Streaming

Negatives: Specialized team –

i.e. producer, editor, camera

Expensive Not easy to modify Sequential, difficult to

survey Passive

Video

Our experience Culinary Arts – 7 Courses Build sets, editing, reviewing Interruptions in “live taping” Instructor time commitment CD ROM Streaming – 3 month course

Video

Learning outcomes Demonstrations Explanations Lecture Complex – i.e. whiteboard – physics

problem solving Two way (expensive) – instructor

observes student

Software

Positives: Simulation Self-paced Re-usable Team based Memorable Game-like –

“edutainment”

Negatives: Expensive Time consuming Complex to design Team based Added complexity

for learners

Software

Our experience HTML, Java, Flash, Authorware, Hot

Potatoes, LMS (TLM & WebCT) Simulations Guided lessons Always multi-discipline project Student response - excellent

Software

Learning outcomes Demonstrations Knowledge Broad knowledge Practice complex skill in safe

environment Synthesis

Live/F2F

Positives: Highly interactive Familiar – students

and instructors Effective Proven history Can incorporate

other media

Negatives: Only synchronous Expensive No “knowledge”

trail Limited audience

size Not surveyable

Live/F2F

Our experience Classrooms Lecture theatres Hey…we’re college instructors…

what more can we say!

Live/F2F

Learning outcomes Everything Main determinant of success is the

skill of the instructor

Collaboration:(As a media format)

Positives: Knowledge building Communities Student to student Time on task Ideal for online

environment Supplements other

media

Negatives: Takes time – not ideal

for short-course training

Difficult to do Change required of

student and instructor

Collaborative

Our experience Groove Communityzero Slow social acceptance Too unfamiliar Much rather talk about it than do it…

over-hyped, under done Control is dispersed to everyone

Collaborative

Learning outcomes Explanation/demonstration Higher order Synthesis, evaluation Deep learning, not surface Multiple perspectives

Integration

Positives: Combine best

features, minimize weaknesses

Enriched learning Asynchronous Synchronous

Negatives: Instructors have to

combine tools to achieve outcomes

“Ideal” elearning tool doesn’t exist yet

Media Integration

Contact us

George Siemensgsiemens@elearnspace.org

204 632 2141Steve Yurkiw

Syurkiw@rrc.mb.ca204 632 2598