MULTIMEDIA INSTRUCTIONAL

TECHNOLOGY (MIT)

“Multimedia” - To communicate in more than one way including:

• text

• graphics

• sound

• motion(http://www.uncg.edu/irc/mm/defined/defined.htm)

BASIC EQUIPMENT

Data projector Digital camera

Scanner

Computer

INSTRUCTIONAL USES OF MT

• Examples– Hardware: data projector– Software: PowerPoint

To convey informationTo convey information

• Examples– computer - e-mail, message

boards, “chat” programs – conferencing - video, audio

To communicateTo communicate

• Examples– computer (e.g., Internet, various

databases)– video-conference (e.g., guest

speakers)

To provide access toTo provide access to informationinformation

• Examples– computer simulation programs

such as are used in pilot and/or military training

– video games

To simulate realityTo simulate reality

• Examples – an online, video or audio conferencing

course versus a correspondence distance education course

– an interactive educational software program or online activity versus paper and pencil tasks

To make learningTo make learning more interactivemore interactive

• Examples– administrative support such as

word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet computer programs

– “assistive” technologies to help students with learning disabilities

As a support toolAs a support tool

• To present material• To communicate• To provide access to

information• To simulate reality• To make learning interactive • As a support tool

Summary

MODES OF MT USE

Technology is only used to support a course

• e.g., course outline, assignments, etc., are contained on a web site and e-mail is used for messages between instructor-student and/or student-student, but all material is delivered in the classroom

Adjunct Mode

MT is used to partially deliver course material outside of the classroom

• e.g., a course in which there is a mix of in-class and online sessions

Mixed Mode

Course material is fully delivered outside of the classroom– e.g., an online, video/audio-

conference course

Full Mode

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using MT

• Multisensory (e.g., overhead projector versus SMART board)

• Material can easily and quickly be changed, rearranged (e.g., word processing)

• Ease and speed of access to vast amounts of information (e.g., Internet)

• Interactive in nature • Increased access and convenience for adult

learners (e.g., online learning)• Material is easily stored (i.e., CD’s versus filing

cabinets)

BenefitsBenefits

• Requires varying degrees of technical knowledge to operate

• Financial - initial cost, maintenance, replacement• Fallible - electronic so depends on power source,

prone to “glitches”• Access - how much equipment/software is there

and when is it available?• Loss of personal attention and face-to-face

interaction• Tendency to focus on ‘glitz’ versus substance• Information overload

DrawbacksDrawbacks

• Cost– financial (initial and ongoing cost of hardware, software,

training and technical support)– time and energy to learn and use MT

• Reliability and availability of hardware, software and technical support

• Accessibility• Quality of teaching and learning• Comfort level of students and instructors• Training - initial and ongoing

ConsiderationsConsiderations

• KISS (keep it simple Sam!)• Take it slowly• Aim for substance versus glitz• Expect, accept and plan for

technical glitches

Getting StartedGetting Started

• Check equipment ahead of time• Don’t rely solely on technology• Have access to technical support• Practise, practise, practise!• Have a Plan “B”• Let learners know there may be

“glitches”

Planning for “Glitches”Planning for “Glitches”

• Three basic goals:– develop a technology plan– learn the technology– use the technology to learn

PlanningPlanning

Return to Module 1