Multimedia in Education
In recent years, multimedia learning has become immensely popular. We’re currently occupants of the digital age where dissemination of information has become easier than what it was before. Digital technologies surely engage learners in various fields. When we say ‘multimedia in learning’, we’re referring to different media formats such as images, audio, text and video to create an enriching experience for the learner. Humans are three-dimensional creatures, and there is no better way for them to learn than multimedia. When learning platforms address all our senses, we tend to learn, grasp and store better. By using mixed media, students gain access to a wealth of information which are otherwise not available through conventional methods.
What is Education 4.0?
Education 4.0 is part of the fourth industrial revolution. It’s a new-age educational approach that focuses on preparing students for the digital age. The primary goal is to revolutionise the future of education by leveraging technology and automation. It’s about integrating various technologies including artificial intelligence (AR), Internet of things (IoT), and Augmented Reality (AR) into learning. There are no two thoughts about the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has considerably impacted the educational landscape. Back then, instructors had no choice but to depend on technology to communicate virtual instructions. Today, it has become the order of the day. Relying on technology and multimedia in particular is surely enhancing learning experiences.
What is Multimedia in eLearning?
As the name implies, multimedia learning involves the use of mixed media to deliver information and impart education to students. The information delivered can be text, static, images, animation, audio or video. A few common media forms used include recorded videos, infographics, presentations, decks and podcasts. Let’s look at each of them in detail:
Video:
Video content is similar to a classroom experience where a teacher is teaching the student. However, the only difference here is that the content is pre-recorded. The videos are usually used to explain complex concepts or demonstrate a certain procedure or technique.
Interactive media:
As the name implies, interactive media includes interactive elements such as quizzes, games and simulations. This is the ideal way to engage learners and provide them with an immersive learning experience.
Animations:
A few learners find it hard to decipher complex processes using traditional methods such as text and images alone. The best way to illustrate complex processes is to animate them. This makes it easier for the learner to understand and remember.
Infographics:
To present data in a manner that is easy to understand, infographics are ideal. Also, they work wonderfully with kids as they are visually-appealing.
Audio:
Audio recordings such as podcasts and voice notes are perfect to provide learners with feedback. It is also ideal when you want to provide learners with spoken instruction or commentary on course materials.
Text:
Text is a very underrated form of media. Though visuals help a student learn better, text is powerful too. Text comes in use when you want to provide someone with step-by-step instructions to complete a particular activity or grasp a particular subject. To make it more impactful, text can be accompanied by video instructions.
Role of Multimedia in Enhancing the Learning Process
Boosts Engagement
Over a period of time, students get bored of the traditional teaching methods. They crave new experiences. By incorporating multimedia, static learning material can be converted into dynamic and interactive learning. It surely engages the learner in a more immersive environment. The content tends to be more multisensory, interactive and dynamic. This allows for better visualisation of theory and concept.
Simplifies Complex Learning
A few concepts may be difficult to understand if not communicated properly. The best thing schools can do is to combine visual and auditory elements. This can simplify the presentation of complex data thereby making it easier for students to grasp, remember and comprehend.
Makes Education more Inclusive
The best part of multimedia is that it supports an array of learning preferences. No matter what a person’s learning needs are, multimedia makes it accessible. It also makes education more inclusive. A person can learn from anywhere as long as they have reliable internet access.
Enhances Retention
The use of a wide variety of media can surely enhance the learning process. It can lead to deeper understanding and better knowledge retention. The brain usually processes information through two channels – auditory and visual. When both are deployed effectively, learners can understand the matter quicker and more effectively.
Immersive Learning Opportunities
When you allow learners to utilise their senses effectively, they will really want to immerse themselves in the material. This is why multimedia learning can be a beneficial teaching method. Since multimedia learning incorporates video and audio, learners can understand the material hands-on. With AI, immersive learning has changed altogether. Multimedia learning also provides a more personalised learning approach, enhanced interaction and educators have the chance to provide real-time feedback.
Conclusion
Multimedia elements in eLearning should be applied strategically. It surely enhances the learning experience and makes teaching for educators more immersive and interactive. They can create a diverse learning environment by incorporative videos, interactive graphics, and AR, and VR. To create educational content across various media, seek help from an experienced professional, someone who has recently completed a visual art and design programme. They will understand the nuances of animation and multimedia better thereby providing your students with a better learning experience.
