The term of multimedia is generally understood as the range of ICT that uses a combination of text, images, videos and sounds. It can be used to communicate information effectively. By introducing multimedia in the classroom, teachers and practitioners can capture pupils' attention and encourage their learning enthusiasm.
In Primary School pupils encounter different daily tasks (read, write and talk about what they know, what they learn and also about their feelings). Such tasks are not always easy and can sometimes be challenging and tiresome. Children who find the learning process hard can risk to lose their confidence and those who find it not very interesting can lose their enthusiasm and excitement. The learning process can become more engaging and meaningful if "pupils have the opportunity to express themselves through multimedia in full colour, using their own voices to speak their own text, with pictures, sound effects and more". Mitra (2000, p.145). Therefore, the use of this ICT tool can significantly increase children's self-esteem and transform their achievement.
Power Point
Power Point is a well-known multimedia tool used for presentations. There are many advantages in using this application: it's easy, it's installed on most of the computers found in institutions, and can be excellent for visualisation. A Power Point presentation can include: text, images and videos, web links, buttons and far more options. When introducing web links it is highly important to consider whether the websites are suitable for children or not. Although most schools have good internet connections, think also of a back-up plan when using internet resources!!!
The following pictures illustrate a good Power Point presentation:
Around the World
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| Select INSERT -> Pictures to add pictures from files. Select INSERT -> Shapes -> Action Buttons to add different buttons on the slides. |
For example, while showing children pictures of places from around the world different questions related to the subject can be asked.
For those who need extra help with Power Point information can be found on web pages, such as:
http://www.msoffice-tutorial-training.com/powerpoint-2007-tutorials.html
Prezi
Prezi is an online application used for presentations. It allows the user to create a presentation using a large, blank page instead of traditional slides. It looks better than Power Point and it is more professional. The disadvantage is that if teachers and practitioners want to use this multimedia application in the classroom, they have to make sure that there is always good internet connection.
For example, an easy Prezi presentation can be This is me. The teacher introduces himself/ herself to the pupils through images, colours and text. This enables children to be more engaged and to make observations on what is being presented.
This is me
Images, text, videos can be introduces in frames (e.g. the little circles).
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| Select Insert -> Pictures to add pictures from files or web. |
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| Resize the image to fit in the frame by dragging the corners. |
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| Text can be added with a simple click. The text can be edited easily: seize, font, colour etc. |
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| After introducing all the pictures (videos, text, etc), select Add Path in order to choose the order in which this information will be presented. |
https://prezi.com/support/
Reflections:
It is interesting to note the advantages of using and creating multimedia in the classroom. It allows children to: develop a range of ICT skills; learn about the range and potential of ICT; communicate their ideas in other ways than just text.
I would use applications such as Power Point and Prezi in the classroom in order to help children develop their learning and understanding. I would also encourage them to create their own presentations and share them with the others. In general, therefore, I believe that multimedia can effectively be used by teachers and pupils as a meaningful tool in the learning process.
References:
Mitra, J. (2000) 'Creating and Using Multimedia Applications', in Leask, M. and Meadows, J. (ed.) Teaching and learning with ICT in the primary school. London: Routledge Farmer, pp. 144-161
