Advantages of multimedia in the classroom

Advantages of implementing multimedia  in the classroom include:

• Motivation – This is important as we have learned that we must first engage the attention of our students before they are ready to learn.
• Learning styles addressed – Multimedia allows teachers to address various learning styles in the classroom. Students can see, hear, and imagine what things feel like as multimedia is used to bring a subject to life.
• Technology standards addressed – Technology is an important aspect of life today. Students must be ready to compete in a highly technological world.
• Access to limitless resources for teaching and learning – Teachers are no longer limited to textbooks as vast amounts of knowledge and teaching ideas may be explored.
• Student centered learning – Students will show accountability for learning when collaborative activities or project based learning is implemented through technology.
• One reason to implement multimedia into the classroom is because it is engaging. Multimedia allows us to make our lessons entertaining, therefore grabbing the attention of our students.
• The second reason is that it allows us to provide differentiated instruction. Having different ways to present information to our students allows teachers to meet the needs of all students.
• The third reason is that multimedia is a great way to make sure our lessons are organized. There are many tools that we can use to help organize our presentation, therefore making it easier to understand.
• The fourth reason is that we are exposing our students to the real world. Our students are going to be required to use multimedia in their jobs one day and by exposing them at an early age we are preparing them for the future.
• The last reason to use multimedia is that is can enhance concepts that are not as interesting as others. There are many ways that the web can turn a not so interesting topic into something the students are willing to learn.
• Students relate to visual interactions, especially if there is a game like atmosphere to the presentation. This method helps the students become more engaged in the project.
• Life long skills. Many of the skills required to participate in a multimedia project are the same used on a daily basis outside of school and in college.
• Higher level thinking skills. Multimedia projects can raise the level of understanding and application of a subject matter.
• Pictures speak a thousand words. ELL learners or learners with other disabilities can get a lot out of the project by possibly listening to part of the information while seeing a picture that relates to the words.
• Classroom management. Class web sites can provide “one stop shopping.” Handouts, assignments, rubrics can all be accessible to students whenever they may need further information. This is also handy for students to complete their work whenever it is convenient for them.
• 1. Motivation- Students find the use of multimedia very motivating and entertaining.
• Addresses multiple learning styles- Material is presented using various learning styles simultaneously. For example auditory and visual approaches.
• Improves Traditional Audio-Video Presentations- Audiences are more attentive to multimedia messages than traditional presentations done with slides or overhead transparencies.
• Increase in comprehension- Full interaction with the user which creates greater comprehension and higher level thinking skills.
• Preparation for the future- Exposing students to this type of presentation will prepare them to use and understand this type of technology in the future.
• It is a media that our students can relate to. Many of our students have Ipods. When we use them in the classroom then we get their attention and they are willing to work harder.
• Teachers are able to step back and be the facilitator while students are engaged in group projects.
• Helps to prepare the teacher. A quality multimedia presentation makes sure that preparation has been done a head of time so that class instruction will be organized, include a variety of learning types, and be relevant.
• Teaches skills that will help our students become life-long learners and prepared for the job force.
• Helps students to retain and increase the learning because they are engaged, using more than one sense, provides scaffolding, visuals, and higher order thinking.
• 1. For the student who is consistently absent (guidance, sickness, ISS, OSS), having multimedia presentations means that they can see the materials when they finally do get to class, thereby receiving the same opportunities for learning.
• Since multimedia presentations are relatively new, they replace antiquated materials that students today lose interest very quickly. This is great for mainstreamed classrooms. The students at all levels of the learning spectrum can identify and use information in a meaningful way to them.
• Educators can adapt the multimedia presentation for those students that may be physically challenged. Students with hearing impairments, or physical disabilities will be able to use the hardware adaptations necessary to succeed with the programs.
• Language barriers can be knocked down by using any of the language transition facilities, thereby allowing students to use their knowledge in their own language and then translate for the educator to understand or vice-versa.
• Multimedia presentations allow students to work at their own pace, teachers are able to implement IEPs more easily. Teaching assistants and non- teaching assistants can help differentiated during special tutoring time.
• Motivation: Today’s students need to be motivated to learn now more than ever before. Multi media incorporates learning with entertainment. For the most part, students just enjoy working on computers thereby making learning fun.
• Learning styles: Multi media addresses many different learning styles simultaneously. It is a built in way to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of many students.
• Drill and practice: Students enjoy practicing and studying much more when they can do so through a multi media game.
• Word Processing and Presentations: Final products are much cleaner and neater. It is also a much faster process than writing things out longhand.
• Exploration: The use of multi=media allows students to explore areas of interest. It is much easier to jump online to research a topic than to drag oneself to the library and read a book.