MULTIMEDIA INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY (MIT)

“ Multimedia” - To communicate in more than one way including: text graphics sound motion (

BASIC EQUIPMENT Data projectorDigital camera Scanner Computer

INSTRUCTIONAL USES OF MT

Examples –Hardware: data projector –Software: PowerPoint To convey information

Examples –computer - , message boards, “chat” programs –conferencing - video, audio To communicate

Examples –computer (e.g., Internet, various databases) –video-conference (e.g., guest speakers) To provide access to information information

Examples –computer simulation programs such as are used in pilot and/or military training –video games To 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 learning more interactive more interactive

Examples –administrative support such as word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet computer programs –“assistive” technologies to help students with learning disabilities As 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 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) Benefits

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 Drawbacks

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 Considerations

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

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

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