Chapter 9: Integrating Multimedia as a Tool

How can my students use multimedia for their projects?

Multimedia can be used by students on assignments and projects in the classroom because of the advancement of technology use in the classrooms.  Students have more sources avaliable when creating projects and assignments for class.  Students or teachers using multimedia in the classroom is used as a tool to explain and elaborate on findings that can be enhanced by motion or interactivity (Morrison, G.R. & Lowther, D.L., 2010).  Teachers who use multimedia introduce students to these sources that can be used to enhance a assignment.  Multimedia can be used by students adding photos or graphics, text, video, sounds, animations, and hyperlinks creating a new grade of creativity.  Students using multimedia in the classroom helps promote technology in the classroom and global technology in the world. The applications of Web 2.0 has created an easy way for students to incorporate multimedia in their assignments and projects to enhance collaboration and input from users.  Using multimedia will also help teachers and students achieve the ISTE Nets for Students guidelines and they can be found online at:  http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students.aspx. 

What applications are available for creating a multimedia presentation?

Multimedia presentations can have the use of many applications in the presentation.  Students can use text, photos or graphics, video and sound, animations, and add hyperlinks in the multimedia projects.These applications along with Microsoft Power Point, Publisher, Google Docs, and Voice Thread allow students to choose different options in choosing a presentation using multimedia.  Web 2.0 is a great source in helping students understand the applications that help create a multimedia presentation.  Multimedia presentations have advantages and disadvantages of using the aplications.  Some sources may not be available because of the limited access to the student.

Should I place limits on how my students use multimedia?

Teachers should use limits on how students use multimedia.  It is important that teachers monitor the use of multimedia of students to prevent too much multimedia on a presentation or the student getting off the topic.  Students get excited over the use of multimedia and sometimes lose track of what the teacher expects from the presentation.  Teachers need to use and encourage careful and thoughtful planning in using multimedia in presentations (Morrison, G.R. & Lowther, D. L., 2010).