The article I read was actually a study of the effectiveness of animation in learning. Besides this, though, it also had some good information on what is included in web-based multimedia/ animation. The article described multimedia as instruction including "motion, voice, data, text, graphics, and still images." Animation was specifically defined as images in motion used to accomplish one or more of these purposes: "attention-gaining, presentation, and practice." The study compared the use of still graphics with the use of animation when teaching freshmen college students about the heart. Their conclusions were that animation was equal in effectiveness to still images, based on test scores produced by the students after learning the material.
I think multimedia is certainly more effective than traditional print materials. And animation can be effective, if used well. Animation and multimedia are able to capture students' attention and engage them in learning. My high school Anatomy&Physiology teacher used many animations when teaching us about specific processes occurring in or with cells. It gave a much deeper and clearer understanding of what we were learning than simply reading the book or notes did. I think so much is available to teachers and students through technology. It is especially convenient since these multimedia tools can be found not only on software but also on the Internet.
I think if web-based multimedia/animation are going to be used in the classroom, it is the teacher's responsibility to do some research and evaluation on their effectiveness. It could be a temptation to focus more energy on making the animation really interesting than on the actual content of the material being taught. It could also be a distraction rather than a teaching tool. It's also important to determine what form of multimedia would be best- pictures, animation, sound, text, etc.- for the subject being taught and the learning outcomes desired.
To read this article visit
http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.ezproxy.fgcu.edu/hww/results/external_link_maincontentframe.jhtml?_DARGS=/hww/results/results_common.jhtml.16
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3 comments:
I agree that multimedia and animation can capture the attention of the students, but I agree even further that the multimedia and animation can distract the students. A very detailed or funny piece of animation could distract the students from the information that they are suppose to be paying attention to. The teacher will have to be very careful when picking what to incorporate on the slide or presentation to be sure it is going to help the students more than hurt the students.
I believe that you have really grasped the concept of this weeks discussion. I also really like how you have incorporated times in your life with the article. Good job.
I believe that you are on the right track with the thoughs on applying multimedia to the classroom. I do think that it is possible for children to get distracted and way too interested in the animation and not on the educational content. I know when I was real young and I got to do powerpoint presentaions during class I would barely work on the content but concentrate so much on the colors and animation.
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