Connecting Technology with Learning: Multimedia & Emerging Technologies

ObjectivesDiscuss teachers’ thinking processes as they consider emerging technologies for student use.Create activities that support learner-centered explorations of subject matter content to engage students in using multimedia as a productivity tool, communications tool, research tool, and problem solving tool. Compare and contrast the predicted schools of the future with today’s schools.

Introduction

Teachers need to be teaching a curriculum that is based on the standards as well as one that guides students in learning with and about multimedia. Multimedia includes a combination of media that is used to communicate information, such as text, still pictures, graphics, animation, sounds, and video. In addition, multimedia can also include hypermedia, presentation software, and video/movie production software (Reissman, 2001). Multimedia is a great way for students to display what they are learning and demonstrate their understanding.

Using Multimedia in the Classroom

Reissman (2001) believes that the use of multimedia can engage students more and allow deeper thinking to occur since they are thinking about their ideas in the creating and development stages of giving a presentation.

Incorporating Multimedia

Presentation Software

Digital Stories

Web Sites

Electronic Portfolios

Emerging Technologies

Teachers need to always be aware of new and emerging technologies so they can take these tools and use them in ways to transform current instruction in order to help students meet the necessary goals.

Emerging Technologies

1. Computer input recognition capabilities that move beyond the keyboard and the mouse to include voice, handwriting, and drawing as well as real-time data input from multiple sources such as temperature, motion, and force.

Emerging TechnologiesCont’d

2. Visual displays moving from two-dimensional to three-dimensional. This will provide students will more advanced ways to explore and visualize abstract ideas.

Emerging TechnologiesCont’d

3. Handheld computing devices that include educational applications to provide simultaneous multi-user participation.

Emerging TechnologiesCont’d

4. Wireless networking that allows educators and students to remain connected outside the traditional classroom building for various classroom activities.

Questions Teachers should AskCan the technology be used as a productivity, communications, research, and/or problem solving and decision making tool for learning in the subject area?

Can the technology support learner-centered strategies for learning the subject?

Can the technology engage students in important learning experiences that support and maximize their learning?

Questions Teachers should Ask Cont’d

• What are the capabilities of the new tool, and how are those capabilities useful in accomplishing 21st Century skills?

• What preparation and management issues must be considered when using this technology as a tool for learning?

• How will assessment of the students’ learning of the subject matter be affected by the incorporation of the new tool?

ConclusionComputer-based, communications, and information-based technologies are constantly changing and evolving, providing more support for human interactions. It is important for educators to take the time to examine the benefits and learning potential these technologies can bring into the classroom.

References

Niess, M., Lee, J., and Kajder, S. (2008). Guiding learning with technology. Danvers, MA: John Wiley & Sons.Reissman, R. (2001). Someone’s in the kitchen: Multimedia activities for multidisciplinary exploration. Learning and Leading with Technology, 29(1), 42-47.Sadik, A. (2008). Digital storytelling: a meaningful technology-integrated approach for engaged student learning. Educational Technology Research & Development, 56 (4), 487-506. U.S. Department of Commerce. (2003). 2020 visions: Transforming education and training through advanced technologies. Washington, DC: Author.