Project- Based Learning and Multimedia: What it is?

 

Project- Based Learning and Multimedia: What it is?

Project-based Multimedia Learning is a teaching method in which students "acquire new knowledge and skills in the course of designing, planning, and producing multimedia product." ( Simkins, et al, 2002.)

Seven Key Dimensions of Project-Based Multimedia Learning

1. Core Curriculum ► At the foundation of any unit of this type is clear setoff learning goal drawn from whatever curriculum or set of standards is in use. We use the term core to emphasize that project-based multimedia learning should address the basic knowledge and skills all students are expected to acquire, and should not simply be an enrichment or extra-credit activity a special few.

2.  Real- World Connection ►  The project seeks to connect students work in school with the wider world in which students live. It is critical that the students not only the teacher- perceive what is real about the project. The content chosen, the types of activities and the types of products must be real in life.

3. Extended Time Frame ►  A good project is not a one-shot lesson. It extends over a significant period of time. The actual length of a project may vary with the age of the students and the nature of the project. One project may take days or weeks. Other may taken a month or two. It is important that students are given enough time to enable them come up with a substantial final product from which they can derive pride and a clear sense of accomplishment.

 4. Students Decision Making ► In project-based multimedia learning, students have a say. But it is clear to them that the teacher is in charge and so the students understand that there are decisions which only the teacher can make. Students, however, are given considerable leeway in determining what substantive content would be included in their projects as well as the process for producing them.

5. Collaboration ► Project- Based multimedia learning demands collaboration. Collaboration is working together jointly to accomplish a common intellectual purpose in a manner superior to what might have been accomplished working alone. Students may work in pairs or in teams of as many as five or six. Whole class collaboration are also possible. The goal is for each student involved to make a separate contribution to the final work and for the whole class to accomplish greater things than what each individual student can accomplish all alone.

6. Assessment ►  There are three assessment concerns in project-based multimedia learning, namely:

                 ◘ activities for developing expectations

                 ◘ activities for improving the media products

                 ◘ activities for compiling and disseminating evidence of learning.



 7. Multimedia ► In multimedia projects, students do not learn simply by "using" multimedia produced by others; they learn by creating it themselves. The Development of such programs as Hyper Studio, Kid Pix, and Netscape composer  has made it possible for students of all ages to become the authors of multimedia content.

  

    Why use Project-Based Multimedia Learning?

►►► Because it is a "value added" to your teaching. It is a powerful motivator in the class. It actively engages students in the learning task. Students are likewise engaged in the production of multimedia presentation.

What can be some limitations of the use of project-based multimedia learning strategy?

   ►►► One limitation that we see is     the need for an extended period of       time.  You need time to orient the      students on what are expected of    them, guidelines goal and objective of    the projects and more so for your    students  to gather and organize their  data,  work on their presentations and  the  like. If the basic computer did not  teach them these skills demanded by    this strategy, there will be a problem .This can be another limitation. A third limitations can be tendency to lose track of the goals and objectives of your lesson because the technology aspect has gotten the limelight.