Chapter 9 Reflections

"Multimedia tools are used when there is a match between multimedia functions and your objectives." (Morrison & Lowther, pg.249)

The two most common ways to use multimedia for students' projects are for presentations and research. By using multimedia tools in the classroom the teacher will meet 3 of the 6 NETS for Students, they are as followed:

1. Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.

3. Research and Information Fluency: Students apply digital tool to gather, evaluate, and use information.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. (ISTE, 2007)

The Internet can be used for research purposes but the students must be responsible for citing their references and be aware of copyright and fair use issues while obtaining and copying information from the world wide web. A multimedia project allows the students to become the teacher. We all know that some of the best learning happens through processing and reflecting on the information that has been obtained. Articulating this new knowledge to other students and teachers through a multimedia project allows the student to do just that! There are many applications available to the students to create a multimedia presentation. These include:

text

digital video: found on the Internet or original video from the student

animation

voice over

special effects:shadows, reflections

sound

hyperlinks

graphics

There are limits that should be placed on the students while creating their presentations. The students must "maintain their focus on the goal of communicating the knowledge and skill stated in the objectives." (Morrison & Lowther,pg.226) The presentation must correlate with the assignment and the students should not be distracted by all of the "bells and whistles" within the programs being used. Another important limit that should be placed on the students is practicing Internet safety. The students are responsible for citing their work and must be aware of copyright and fair use.

As our schools become more aligned with the technological advancements within our society and the workplace, it will be imperative that every student graduate from High School with the experience of creating a multimedia presentation.

Morrison, G.R. & Lowther, D.L. (2011) Integrating computer technology into the classroom;skills for the 21st century. Boston: Pearson

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2007). National Educational technology Standards (NETS) for Students. Retrieved October 20, 2007, from http://cnets.iste.org/students/index.html.