The Power of Multimedia Learning

(History, benefits, why it should be incorporated, importance)

The way students adapt and learn skills has changed, which has led to a change in the teaching styles of educational institutions by integrating media and online platforms for learning. Therefore, these are the considerations to enhance the power of multimedia learning:

  1. Choosing from Diverse Options: Students can choose from various media channels to communicate their understanding of the information and present it using technology, thus improving their critical thinking abilities, independent problem-solving skills, and creativity and innovation.
  2. Providing Quality Learning: Reducing the amount of text online and incorporating different multimedia tools can make online learning more engaging and fun.
  3. Promote Student-Centred Learning: Online courses are designed to empower students to explore, navigate, and solve problems independently by integrating multimedia components, storytelling pieces, and interactive digital media.

The analysis of the research shows that the percentage of text on the internet is decreasing, with a major decline seen after 2005. There was a significant shift from text to graphical means of communication, such as videos, animations, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest. The literature review lays the importance of reducing the amount of text in online sources of information. The authors highlight the importance of grasping and navigating communication styles that extend beyond traditional print. The study combines statistical analyses, web archives, and computer vision tools to assess changes in the use of text on the web over time. The study concludes that non-textual data use was expanding all over the internet, replacing the textual form of communication. The introduction of audio-visual communication, such as YouTube, was the reason other video streams reduced the power of text. Currently, educational institutions are taking advantage of online platforms and trying to translate the text from books into online media representations. The way this generation adapts and learns skills has changed, which led to a change in the teaching styles of educational institutions by integrating media and online platforms for learning.

Two professors at Harvard University integrated media in their courses to engage students with the past. They changed their teaching styles and adapted to different media communication tools to enhance learning in their subject of interest (i.e., history). They wanted to train students to interpret history through various graphics, data visualization, videos, and installations. The professors emphasized the belief that history does not have to be told in print media; rather, history benefits from an approach of helping students articulate the print form of communication using multimedia. Connecting contemporary history with modern technology enables participation and understanding of the concepts.

An example illustrated in the study is the teaching method of creating an environment similar to running an art studio. This implies that the students have the liberty to choose from various media channels to communicate their understanding of the information and present it with the use of technology. By selecting an appropriate media channel to communicate any form of information (argument or a storytelling piece as per the article), students gain critical thinking abilities to interpret the information and communicate it. It also facilitates a collaborative work environment, for example, through online group presentations. It emphasizes the idea that our understanding of the world is shaped by the ways we receive information and use different media to help shape our experiences of it. This approach will help students choose from various media communication tools to execute their understanding of the information and the concept taught, thereby enhancing their knowledge-based learning. The professors have recommended various media options, including graphics, data visualization, videos, and installations. These suggestions can be integrated into TRU Open Learning online courses.

This paper introduces the use of multimedia as a new education technology tool. Multimedia is an immersive approach to information that combines various elements such as video, graphics, animations, and interactive resources. Multimedia not only engages learners but also leaves a lasting impact. This student-centred approach is supported by educational technologies like YouTube, laptops, Wi-Fi, and learning management systems (e.g., Moodle). In a multimedia learning environment, students are empowered to explore, navigate, and solve problems independently, promoting creativity and innovation. This flexible approach accommodates individual learning strategies and encourages active participation. Universities are embracing multimedia in education by providing 24/7 access to interactive content and offering specialized undergraduate degrees in multimedia. They are also evaluating multimedia technologies in classrooms, integrating feedback mechanisms, and introducing interdisciplinary programs in interactive digital media. The multi-disciplinary approach is enhanced by the integration of multimedia tools, such as video components, graphics, web-based resources, and storytelling workshops. This comprehensive approach extends to multimedia therapy programs that incorporate offline and online therapy with 2D and 3D animations, virtual reality, and augmented reality.

This paper introduces a conceptual framework for online engagement in higher education, emphasizing the role of student engagement in online learning. With a focus on a regional university in Australia transitioning to online education, the framework explores dimensions of engagement, acknowledging the need for faculty adaptation and promoting effective online learning environments. The authors propose a comprehensive framework for social, cognitive, behavioural, collaborative, and emotional engagement. They offer practical applications for instructors, instructional designers, teaching teams, program administrators, and policymakers, emphasizing the framework’s potential to enhance teaching practices, support critical reflection, and inform quality feedback at various levels of education. The number of students in online courses is increasing; therefore, the quality and methods to transfer skills need to be enhanced. Educators and researchers are trying to create an effective way of delivering online learning. In addition, providing opportunities for the students to engage online creates a collaborative environment of learning.

Media Attributions

The featured image was created by Jung-Lynn Jonathan Yang under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license.