As an educator, I have used multimedia tools to teach my students. I know that
combining different components of multimedia (text, graphic, video, sound and animation)
provide the learners variety of learning opportunities that cater to their different styles of
learning. I have seen my students connect more with the skills and concepts being taught when I
use multimedia as oppose to the “lecture” type of teaching. They understand and learn the
concept better and faster. I teach kindergarten, and I know that my students have very selective
attention and interest, thus, using different media will help in teaching and indulging them in
meaningful experiences. However, in this digital age, children are now exposed to newer
technologies and computer-based multimedia even at a very early age. As a teacher, even with a
limited digital technology tools and knowledge, I have to integrate these tools into my
classrooms. Even if they have limited hands-on experience with the computer-based in school, I
have to create opportunities for them that they can do with their parents at home using these
tools. But, I need to upgrade my knowledge and skills with digital/computerized
applications. This course, ECOMP 6016 (Teaching and Learning with Digital Media) comes in
very handy.
I was quite excited already when I saw the course description but it turned into panic
when I went through the syllabus and the list of assignments/activities . At first glance, it was
overwhelming. But as the course progressed, the experience was quite rewarding. I have learned
a lot. There are so much ideas and tools out there which the course, the professor and my
classmates have shared through personal and online interactions. I am grateful for that.
when I went through the syllabus and the list of assignments/activities . At first glance, it was
overwhelming. But as the course progressed, the experience was quite rewarding. I have learned
a lot. There are so much ideas and tools out there which the course, the professor and my
classmates have shared through personal and online interactions. I am grateful for that.
Now, I am more confident to use digital media in my classroom. I can share my
knowledge to my colleagues and administrators. I have been using my digital camera, my
laptop and the television to enhance my lessons. I have taken pictures relevant to my lessons and
use them as an extension of my students learning. I have taken video recording their various
learning experiences in the classroom and use them as our reflection and evaluation tools to
make the next learning experience more organize and structured. I have created a movie
(created using the Movie Maker) using the images of my students indulging in learning and
provided captions that they can learn to read. This provides novelty because they feel that they
are more involved in the classroom. This gives them confident and responsibility with their
actions in the classroom.
knowledge to my colleagues and administrators. I have been using my digital camera, my
laptop and the television to enhance my lessons. I have taken pictures relevant to my lessons and
use them as an extension of my students learning. I have taken video recording their various
learning experiences in the classroom and use them as our reflection and evaluation tools to
make the next learning experience more organize and structured. I have created a movie
(created using the Movie Maker) using the images of my students indulging in learning and
provided captions that they can learn to read. This provides novelty because they feel that they
are more involved in the classroom. This gives them confident and responsibility with their
actions in the classroom.
Najjar, in his article, has cited that interactivity, novelty and control of learning pace
have a greater advantage compared with the traditional lecture type instructional method
(Najjar, L.1996). I have to agree with that. Like, in any other classroom, the class consists
of students who have different learning pace and styles. Accessing the internet to provide
interactive instructional tools will provide different levels and novelty of the experience. The
teacher acts as a facilitator of learning to give the students organization and structure in the
activity. The challenge with me in my school is the limitation of computers. I have my personal
laptop, which, I can share with them. My students are always excited when they can use it in the
classroom. However, as much as I want them to indulge in that activity, I can only do so much
in the school setting. The next best method, is to educate my students' parents and other family
members in assisting their children to access internet to provide interactive learning experience.
Family involvement is crucial in providing meaningful learning so providing research
assignment will help my students to progress academically aside from developing good study
habits.
have a greater advantage compared with the traditional lecture type instructional method
(Najjar, L.1996). I have to agree with that. Like, in any other classroom, the class consists
of students who have different learning pace and styles. Accessing the internet to provide
interactive instructional tools will provide different levels and novelty of the experience. The
teacher acts as a facilitator of learning to give the students organization and structure in the
activity. The challenge with me in my school is the limitation of computers. I have my personal
laptop, which, I can share with them. My students are always excited when they can use it in the
classroom. However, as much as I want them to indulge in that activity, I can only do so much
in the school setting. The next best method, is to educate my students' parents and other family
members in assisting their children to access internet to provide interactive learning experience.
Family involvement is crucial in providing meaningful learning so providing research
assignment will help my students to progress academically aside from developing good study
habits.
I have yet to master the skills of using and integrating these digital media applications
and technologies, but I am more confident to tackle the challenges that will come my way.
I am eager to use more applications relevant to my lesson and the level of my students. I will
definitely try Prezi, in one of my future lessons in my class. I have learned to love the
application. If I am excited with this, the more my children will be.
Reference:
Najjar, L.(1996) Multimedia and learning. Journal of Educational and Hypermedia,
5 (2), 129 - 150.
5 (2), 129 - 150.
