Multimedia Approach

What is Multimedia?
Multimedia is one of the important innovations in the field of educational
technology to improve the process and product of teaching – learning. The multimedia
approach consisting of the use of many appropriate and carefully selected devices,
techniques and media in such a combination as to yield in the most effective realization
of the teaching- learning objectives in a best possible way . In other words, multimedia is
the combination of various digital media, into an integrated multi-sensory interactive
application or presentation to convey information to an audience.
Multimedia approach
The term multimedia approach to teaching – learning may be referred to the use
of appropriate and carefully selected varieties of learning experiences which when
presented to the learner through selected teaching strategies will reinforce and strengthen
one another in such a way that the learner will achieve predetermined objectives in an
effective way. Multimedia approach to teaching – learning can be classified in different
ways. These media are so selected and planned as to yield in best possible results in a
most appropriate economical combination. Multimedia helps students to construct
knowledge actively, work in group and use multi-senses at a time. Multimedia is very
effective and advanced approach in higher education.

Definitions
The term multimedia by definition means ‘more than one media’. According to
Hofstetter (2001), multimedia is the use of computer to present and combine text,
graphics, audio and video with links and tools that let the user navigate, interact, create
and communicate.
Multimedia is characterized by the presence of text, pictures, sound, animation
and video; some or all of which are organized into some coherent program (Phillips,
1997).
Multimedia approach is an approach of teaching in which different mediums are
incorporated to make the teaching-learning more effective, enthusiastic, inspirational,
meaningful & interesting.
Nature of Multimedia Approach
Multi - Many
Media - Techniques /methods.
Multimedia approach uses a number of media, devices, techniques, in the teaching
learning process.
Multimedia approach has come out of researches and experiments in educational
technology that have been undertaken in order to improve the process of teaching
learning.
Multimedia approach aims at providing meaningful learning experiences via a mix of
media in order to achieve predetermined objectives.
The choice of the media has to be done carefully so that one does not hamper or reduce the
effect of the other i.e. each media must complement the after.
The media have to used sequentially and judiciously. Only necessary ones are to be used.
Then it would be possible to make optimum use of them in a most economical manner.
In multimedia approach, several media and techniques are used as powerful means of
communication.
Characteristics of Multimedia
Multimedia calls for the use of a number of media, devices and techniques for teaching-
learning.
Multimedia approach is the contribution and net result of the researches and experiments
going on in the subject of education technology for improving the process and products
of the act of teaching- learning.
The variety of media are carefully selected as to prove quite effective in providing learning
experiences to the learners foe achieving the pre-determined teaching- learning
objectives.
These media are so selected and planned as to yield in best possible results in a most
appropriate, economical combination.
While selecting different media for adopting multimedia approach it is cared that the
presence of one must increase the effect of others.
Multimedia approach asks for the judicious and planned use of the hardware and software
available in the field of educational technology.
In multimedia approach the several media and techniques can be effectively used as
appropriate vehicles for the needed communication of ideas in the process of teaching-
learning.
Interactive Multimedia Components
Interactive multimedia is a tool which has had a great impact in the field of
education. This tool uses five elements and combines them into a single powerful tools.
The five media are –
i) Text ii) Animation iii) Video iv) Graphics v) Sound.
Role of teacher in Multimedia approach
The teacher has to make a lot of modifications and adjustment if he has to adopt
multimedia approach. His role would have a different connotation compared to the
traditional role. He would have to make these changes.
i) The teacher has to adopt a number of methods and techniques; he cannot be satisfied
with the lecture or the chalk talk method.
ii) The teacher has to be aware of the different available media and their availability the
teacher should be physically competent to use and demonstrate the use of different
media.
iii) The teacher should be skilful enough to make a judicious choice of media and be
competent enough to mix them sequentially and in an orderly manner.
iv) The teacher’s role is that of a facilitator or manager of activities. He has to lead his
students for independent, individualized learning.
v) The teacher should provide experience such that the students can link practice and
theory & integrate them.
vi) The teacher has to make learning a living and co-operative process by giving group
activities like seminar, symposium, workshops and interacting with the people in real
work situation.
vii) The lecturer has to play a very constructive role in making his students learn the
things in a quite practical way by giving through concrete and living experiences.

Educational Implications of Multimedia/Advantages of Multimedia Approach

Multimedia enables students to represent information using several different media.
Hypermedia links allow students to organize information in meaningful ways.
Multimedia can take into account different learning styles. Some students learn by
interpreting text, while others require more graphical or aural representations.
Multimedia allows for self-pacing and discovery, students can take the time they need
and choose the path of learning making learning meaningful and pleasurable.
Multimedia can arouse the curiosity among the learner and provide them vivid
impressions.
Multimedia can develop a positive attitude among the learners towards the teaching-
learning process.
Technique of simulation can be effectively applied through the multimedia approach.
Multimedia helps in development of higher order thinking skills. Interactive multimedia
encourages student.
Multimedia provided the students the flexibility of anywhere, ‘any time’ learning.
Multimedia helps in developing group and interpersonal skills. Better communication
between students via e-mail, chat sessions etc., can encourage collaborative learning and
enhance student-teacher interaction.
Multimedia helps students to learn the content in a given discipline. It helps students to
think effectively, practice problem solving and decision making.
Effective remediation programmes can be implemented through the multimedia
approach.
 Multimedia approach can bridge language barriers since audio is not the only means of
communication.
Disadvantages
Requires highly sophisticated infrastructure facilities, which may lead to heavy financial
burden.
Expertise and skill are required to operate the multimedia devices, which will lead to the
problem of non-availability of human resources.

1.2 Audio-Visual Aids

Sense organs are the gateways of knowledge. Sensory experiences form the
foundation for any intellectual activity. These experiences are transacted in the classroom
using a number of teaching aids. These teaching aids reinforce the spoken or written
word with concrete image, which form a strong base for learning.
Audio visual material must be seen in their relationship to teaching as a whole and
to the learning process as a whole, until the teacher understands the relationship between
audio visual material and teaching learning process.
Audio visual materials are produced, distributed and used as planned
components of educational programs. It helps the process of learning that is motivation,
classification and stimulation. A.V. aids are multisensory materials which motivate and
stimulate the individual. It makes dynamic learning experience more concrete realistic
and clarity. It provides significant gains in thinking and reasoning.
Audio visual aids are sensitive tools used in teaching and as avenues for learning.
These are planned educational materials that appeal to the senses of the people and
quicken learning facilities for clear understanding.
Definitions:
1. Kinder S. James: Audio visual aids are any device which can be used to make the
learning experience more concrete, more realistic and more dynamic.
2. Burton: Audio visual aids are those sensory objects or images which initiate or
stimulate and reinforce learning.
3. Carter V. Good: Audio visual aids are those aids which help in completing the
triangular process of learning that is motivation, classification and stimulation.
4. Good’s dictionary of education: audio visual aids are anything by means of which
learning process may be encouraged or carried on through the sense of hearing or sense
of sight.
5. Edger Dale: Audio visual aids are those devices by the use of which communication of
ideas between persons and groups in various teaching and training situations is helped.
These are also termed as multi sensory materials.
6. McKean and Roberts: Audio visual aids are supplementary devices by which the
teacher, through the utilization of more than one sensory channel is able to clarify,
establish and correlate concepts, interpretations and appreciations.
Significance of Audio- Visual Aids
Audio- Visual aids are added devices that help teacher to clarify, establish,
correlate and coordinate accurate concepts, interpretations and appreciations and enable
him to make learning more concrete, effective, interesting, inspirational, meaningful and
vivid. They provide significant gains in informational learning, retention and recall,
thinking and reasoning, activity, interest, imagination, better assimilation and personal
growth and development.
According to Kothari Commission (1964-1966), Audio Visual aids will bring about
an ‘educational revolution, in the country. It further stated that the supply of teaching
aids to every school was essential for the improvement of the quality of teaching.
Educational Significance
Best motivators: The students work with more interest and zeal and are more attentive.
Clear images: Clear images are formed when we see, hear, touch, taste and smell, as our
experiences are direct, concrete and more or less permanent.
Vicarious experience: Substituted experience can be provided when it is not possible to
give firsthand experience
Freedom: There is great scope for children to move about, talk, laugh and comment
upon, and in such a situation they work because they want to work.
Variety: Audio Visual aids give variety and provide different tools in the hands of the
teacher.
Opportunities to handle and manipulate: Many visual aids offer opportunities to
students to handle and manipulate things.
Retentivity: They contribute to increased retentivity as they stimulate response of the
whole organism to the situation in which learning takes place.
Based on maxims of learning: It enables the follow the maxims of learning like ‘concrete
to abstract’, ‘known to unknown’ and ‘learning by doing’.
Promotion of scientific temper: In place of listening facts students observe
demonstrations and phenomena and thus cultivate scientific temper.
Development of higher faculties: Use of A-V aids stirs the imagination, thinking
process and reasoning power of the students and calls for creativity and higher mental
activities.
Helpful in attracting attention
Helpful in fixing up new learning
Meeting individual differences
Encouragement to healthy classroom interaction
Reinforcement to learners
Positive transfer of learning and training
 Positive environment for creative discipline
Advantages of Audio visual aids
1. It helps in effective perceptual and conceptual learning.
2. It is helpful in capturing and sustaining attention of students.
3. It arouses interest and motivates students to learn.
4. It is helpful in new learning.
5. It helps in saving energy and time of both the teacher’s and students.
6. It provides near realistic experience.
7. It can meet individual demands.
8. It develops interest of the students.
9. It makes teaching and learning effective
10. It is useful in for education of masses.
11. It is easy and inexpensive to make and update.
Disadvantages
1. It makes the student to heavily depend on the teacher
2. It is unsuitable for large groups

Problems in the Use of Teaching Aids

In spite of the increasing popularity that the audio-visual aids have gained in the
educational system, there are certain problems to be faced and solved. These are:
1. Apathy of the Teacher: It has not yet been possible to convince the teacher that teaching
with words alone is quite tedious, wasteful and ineffective.
2. Indifference of Students: The judicious use of teaching aids arouses interest but when
used without a definite purpose they lose their significance and purpose.
3. Ineffectiveness of the Aids: Because of lack of proper planning and lethargy of teacher
as also without proper preparation, correct presentation, appropriate application and
essential follow up work, the aids have not proved their usefulness.
4. Financial Hurdles: The Boards of audio-visual aids have been set up by central and state
governments for chalking out interesting programmes for the popularisation of teaching
aids but the lack of finances is not enabling them to do their best.
5. Absence of Electricity: Most of the projectors cannot work without electric current and
so the non-availability of electricity is creating a hurdle in the proper use of audio-visual
aids.
6. Lack of Facilities for Training: More and more training colleges or specialised agencies
should be opened to train teachers and workers in the use of audio-visual aids.
7. Lack of Coordination between Center and States: Good film libraries, museums of
audio-visual education, fixed and mobile exhibitions and educational 'melas' should be
organised both by center and states.
 8. Language Problems: Most of the education films available are in English and we need
such films in Hindi and other Indian Languages.
9. Not catering to the Local Needs: Most of the audio-visual aids being produced do not
cater to the local needs and not in accordance with the social, psychological and
pedagogical factors.
10. Improper Selection of Films: Films are not selected in accordance with the class-room
needs.
In spite of all these problems the future of such aids can be bright if there is proper
planning on the part of the government and coordination between producers, teachers
and students. Useful and effective aids can be produced after getting the reaction of the
audience and doing research work in the field.

Classification of Audio Visual Aids

Projected Aids
A projected aid is one which items to be observed are projected on a screen
using electronic or Mechanical device. They are very effective because movements can be
added to sound and hence a realistic experience can be provided. The major projected
aids are;
Film & Film Projector
• Films in the form of motion pictures.
• Films enrich learning by presenting a series of meaningful experience involving
motion.
• Can enlarge or reduce the actual size of the object to suit the need.
Film strips & Film strip Projector
• A film strip is piece of non-inflammable safely film, 35 mm wide.
• Length may vary according to requirement and can be up to about one meter.
• One film strip may contain 10 to 50 pictures frames.
• The pictures in film strip may constitute a connected series of drawings, photographs,
diagrams or combination of these and illustrated a single sequence.
• The pictures may in color or in black or white.
• Some films strips are accompanied by commentary recorded separately, such film
strips is called sound film strip.
Slides & Slide Projector
• The pictures or diagrams which are drawn in suitable medium is called slide. (Glass
or Transparency)
• Slide can be enlarged by projecting it on a screen with a slide projector.
• Slide projector is an instrument equipped with a powerful light source and a carrier for
holding slides of suitable size.
• Some slide projectors uses drums in which many slides can be loaded in proper
sequence in advance.
• It is also possible to record the narration in a tape recorder that could be hooked up
to the projector in such a way as to give the necessary commentary without the help of
the teacher.
Episcope & Epidiascope
• Episcope is used for the projection of opaque objects.
• Pictures, photographs, drawings or an opaque material within the size of the platform
of the episcope can be projected using Episcope.
• Episcope used to enlarge book diagrams and illustrate complex pictures.
• During Epi-projection the class room should be totally darkened in order to get a clear
and bright image.
• Epidiascope can project opaque as well as transparent objects.
OHP
• This is called Over Head Projector because it projects the image behind and over the
head of the teacher.
• The transparent visual is placed on a horizontal platform at the top of the light source.
 • The teacher can place the transparent plate on the platform and write or draw on it
anything that is to be visualized using suitable pen.

Television
• TV is very exciting and efficient means of mass communication.
• Educational Television programmes aims at education rather than entertainment.
• One teacher or specialist can render teaching session and pass information to millions
of viewers all over the world.
LCD Projector
• LCD (Liquid Cristal Display) is the most advanced and sophisticated projected aid.
• In the area of educational technology, we can replace all other projected and non
projected aids with only a single LCD projector and computer system.
• Can present a topic by using computer made slide, graphs, pictures, video clips,
movies and special effect.
II. Non-Projected Aids
II(a). Graphic Aids
• Graphic Aids are visual aids such as graphs, diagrams, charts etc.
• They can be conveying the message by a combination of written and pictorial visuals
that could be made meaningful by suitable captions.
• The criteria for good graphics are that they should be simple, legible and brief.
Graphs
• Normally used to represent the nature of the relation of two dependent variables.
• Different types of graphs are line graph, bar graph and pie graph
Diagrams
• Used to explain many factors at the same time, by using a variety of symbol and labels
• Diagrams can explain facts more vividly than charts
Posters
• Posters are bold and attractive representation of an idea or concept and usually given
in color.
• Poster catches the eye and conveys the desired message.
Maps
• A map is an accurate representation of the boundaries and other details of continents,
countries etc. on a plane, in the form of a diagram drawn to scale.
• A variety of geographical details like location of mountains and rivers, altitude of
places, important cities and other places etc. can be represented accurately with reference
to a convenient scale and following suitable color scheme.
Different types of maps that are used in classroom: Geographical Maps, Historical
Maps, Industrial Maps and Political Maps.
Cartoons
• A cartoon is a metaphorical, humorous and exaggerated caricature of a person or
situation in the form of a picture or sketch.
Comics
• A comic strip is a form of cartoon depicting a story in sequence.
• The events are arranged in the proper order in a attractive pictorial form that is
normally appealing to lower age groups.
Flash cards
• Flash cards are an aid used in language lesson, especially in the lower class.
• The card containing the reading material is exhibited for a few seconds only. Then it is
removed and the feedback attempted.
Pictures and Photographs
• Pictures and photographs play a significant role in making ideas clear and
comprehensive.
Charts
• A chart may be defined as a combination of graphics and pictorial media designed for
the orderly and logical visualizing of relationship between key fact and ideas.
• Different types of charts are: Display chart, Flow chart, Tabular chart, Tree chart
and Time chart.
II (b). Display Boards
The stereotype atmosphere of the traditional classrooms, libraries and corridors
of schools is recently giving way to attractive and educative surroundings with a wealth
of display materials. Displays may be categorised into three main types according to the
functions they perform, namely motivational, developmental and summary.
Displays that attract and appeal pupils and stimulate their curiosity are called
motivational displays. Displays that add information and ensure active involvement of
pupils in the development of a lesson are termed developmental displays. Displays that
are used for review and consolidation of a lesson are called summary displays.
Black Board
• Most basic, widely used tool for display
• Teaching cannot be successful without proper use of a Black Board.
• Black Board planning is a precious skill to be developed by a teacher.
Roll-Up-Board
• Roll-Up-Board is that which can be conveniently rolled up.
• These are usually made of thick rexin cloth.
• The charts and pictures can be drawn on it advance and presents as and when required.
Peg Board
• To display flat and three dimensional materials
• Use hooks and clips to display materials.
Hook and Loop Board
• Intended to suspend heavy 3-D objects as well as flat materials.
• Objects can be easily fixed and removed.
Flannel Board
• Flannel cloth used to make this board.
Magnetic Board
• A sheet of iron that attracts a piece of magnet can be used for magnetic board.
Bulletin Board
• Used to display bulletin, News items, announcement etc.
Marker Board
• Large plastic board suitable for writing or drawing with markers.
• This can be used the same way as chalk boards.
• It can be sometimes used as a projection screen also.
II (c). Three Dimensional Aids
Models
Models are concrete representations of objects, their size being adjusted to make it
handy and conveniently observable. They can clearly exhibit the structure or functions of
the original. There are two types of models. Working model and Static (still) model.
Working model is more effective than static model.
Objects
Objects may be defined as the real things from their natural settings.
Eg.Rock, Coin, stamp etc.

Specimen
A specimen may be defined as a typical objects or part of an object which has been
removed for convenient observation. It may be a representative of a class or group of
similar objects.
Mock-ups
A mock-up is an operating model usually of a process, designed to be worked with
directly by the learner for specific training or analysis. When direct firsthand experience
is either impractical or impossible, mock-up can be used. Mock-ups is an imitation of the
real process. Eg. Mock Parliament
Diorama
A diorama is a three dimensional scene in depth, incorporating a group of modelled
objects and figures in a natural settings. A diorama scene is set up on a small stage with
a group of modelled objects that are kept on the foreground and blended into a painted
realistic background. For representation of depth, object kept at the background are
made considerably smaller to create illusion.
Puppets
A puppet is a manipulative doll dressed as a character and the performer is a person. E.g
: shadow puppet, finger/ glove puppet, string puppet. Puppet actions should be
accompanied by short dialogues.
 II (d). Audio Aids
Radio: The most common form of public education and entertainment. Effective for mass
education and distant education
Tape Recorder: A tape recorder is a portable electronic gadget to record, reproduce. This
device can be used without much fuss by erase and re-record sound.
Public Address System: An electronic sound amplification and distribution system with
a microphone, amplifier and loudspeakers, used to allow a person to address a large
public.
III. Activity Aids
Field Trip and Excursions
• Excursions usually involve a tour by a person or a group of person to some selected
place.
• An excursion undertaken for gathering objective based learning experience is study
tour.
• The tour made by a group is often known as Field Trip
• Provides direct experience leading to effective understanding.
Exhibition
• In exhibition variety of items exhibits related to teaching and learning.
• Exhibitions are effective modes of mass communication and instruction.
• Special talents of the pupil get revealed and creativity can be fostered.
• Helps to communicate novel ideas to children, their parents and the general public.
Demonstration
• It is a technique which is often used by all teachers.
• Ideas, skills, attitudes and process can be demonstrated.
• Demonstration should be purposeful, simple, specific and effective.
• Demonstration should be planned and rehearsed well in advance.
• If demonstration designed by the co-operative activity of pupil and teaches, it will be
more effective.
Dramatization
• Dramatization gives a reality and concreteness to learning experience.
• Gives opportunity for self expression
• Very useful for the subject like social science and languages.
• Since emotional content is strong, it help in the development of interest, attitude
and values.
Museum
• Museum is powerful medium for public education.
• Museums are repositories with an array of educational materials including rare
specimens a variety of objects arranged in a logical order.
Planetarium
• A planetarium consist of essentially of a dome usually mounted on the ceiling of a hall
to represents the sky.
• A special projector is used to display images of the celestial bodies on the dome.
• The viewers who are seated below can see the projected images that can be appear to
be realistic.
• The projector consists of various individual units for projecting the sun, the moon, the
planets and the stars.
• Taped narration and sound effects adds to the effectiveness of the presentation.
Aquarium
• Aquarium consists of glass tanks filled with water in which aquatic creatures are kept
in naturally.
• Pupils can observe the natural behavior of the creatures.
• If a school aquarium is constructed and maintained by the pupils they get very valuable
learning experience related to various aspects of life science.
Terrarium
• Terrarium is an arrangement for presenting the creatures living on the surface and
below the surface of the earth for study purpose.
• It is an enclosure, usually a tank. Used for rearing plants or animals under natural
conditions.
Programmed Learning
Programmed Learning is a carefully specified, systematically planned, empirically
established, skillfully arranged and effectively controlled self- instructional technique for
providing individualized instruction or learning experience to the learner. Programmed
learning is available in the form of Books, Cards, Machine etc.

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI)

• A self-learning technique, usually offline/online, involving interaction of the student
with programmed instructional materials.
• “It is the use of computer to assist in the presentation of instructional material to a
student to monitor learning process or to select additional instructional material in
accordance with the needs of individual learners”
• Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is an interactive instructional technique whereby
a computer is used to present the instructional material and monitor the learning that
takes place.
• CAI uses a combination of text, graphics, sound and video in enhancing the learning
process.
Teaching Machines
• Developed by S.L. Pressy
• It’s a piece of device designed to be operated by an individual student for self learning.
• The student is presented with a question by some form of display on the machine.
• The student is required to respond, either to write answer or put a button to indicate
the correct response.
• The student will inform the correctness of the answer.
• An account is kept of the responses made by the student