This article briefly introduced what teachers should consider when we want to use multimedia as courseware. For instance, we should consider the media, instructional needs/constraints and design principles before we start. There are a lot of valuable ideas included in the article.
However, it is a pity that the author didn't discuss the results of the study. I would like to know whether the implementation of multimedia do influence language teaching and learning. The author is lucky to get so many help to design the courseware. Yet, we could only depend on ourselves and we don't have the enough IT background for us.
Actually, before I took this course, I thought I could equip myself on using different IT tools to design suitable learning materials for my students. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed about the course as we mentioned theories more than practical. But now things are getting better as we could learn to use Dreamweaver, Hot potatoes to design our own homepage. I do hope I could learn more for the coming lessons! ^.^
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteYou are really putting a lot of effort into the reading: that's good to see!
I see what you mean about the article not providing the results of the evaluation. As you have noticed, the article is limited to a nuts-and-bolts description of how to design for interactive videodisc technology (these days we can use the internet for the same purpose). What did you think were the most valuable tips that the writer provided?
The question of whether or not using multimedia is effective is certainly an interesting one. Have you had any personal experience that suggests an answer? Can you do some quick research into this for us?
I do think that the design considerations are the most valuavle tips for us. It is important to us as we didn't have the experience on setting up such a project in our schools. That part serves as an important guidelines for us.
ReplyDeleteTo me, I think multimedia is one of tools of language teaching. We should not rely on multimedia heavily. I think we could treat using multimedia as assistance on language teaching. Somehow, I think multimedia can act as consolidation. I re-read your notes When I was preparing for Assignment 2. I think multimedia is best for consolidation as students could work on their own. Yet, not all the students have computers or internet services at that home. Thus, it might be rather frustrating if we rely on the technology heavily.
When you say we should not rely on multimedia heavily, I presume you mean that you don't see it as a cure-all for your students' problems? If audio and video is used in language learning, what do you think are the possible benefits? In what ways do you think we should rely on it?
ReplyDeleteOne thing that the article doesn't really contemplate, is the use of multimedia for student-generated content. Have you (or any others reading this blog) considered what students might achieve/create on their own using multimedia?
It is a concern that some students may not have computer access in their homes, particularly as computer literacy is so important now. Do you have any idea how many of your students have or don't have computers at home? If some of them don't have computer access, is the school doing anything about it?
Hmm, what I meant on not to rely on multimedia heavily is that we are still unfamiliar with the technology. Once when the computer have problems, we can only ask the IT technician for help. I think it would be easier for us to teach with multimedia if we could master the technology better. Yet, students enjoy the lessons when we use audio and video materials. That's why we could motivate students by using these kinds of materials.
ReplyDeleteNowadays, while using the multimedia, students are cleverer when compared with me. They got no problems to use powerpoint to present their work. Moreover, they are taught using Dreamweaver when they're in Primary 6. Even Primary 6 students start writing in xanga/blogs to express their feelings. That's why I think studnets got no difficulties in using multimedia.
Yet, some families could not afford to buy a computer or to assess the internet. What they did is to go to the public library or the shopping centre which provide online services. Moreover, the computer room of my school will open for a certain period, for instance, recess or Saturday afternoon, so that students could use the computer.
I see. In what way are you 'unfamiliar with the technology'?
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of levels - understanding how multimedia can be used, how to create content, how to consume content.
Have you seen what your students are creating through Xanga? I wonder if you could help them to tell their stories in a more effective way. What do you think?
I agree that multimedia is a great means in CALL. It can arouse students' interest and provide readily available authentic videos for students to experience real life intonations and conversations. However, as what Dora mentioned, TESL teachers could not do nothing with the aid of multimedia courseware. At least, we should choose the ones appropriate to students' level of English, topic we are working and the way the video is presented before we use them in the classroom.
ReplyDelete