B. Why Use Multimedia in the Classroom?

Multimedia activities encourage students to work in groups, express their knowledge in multiple ways, solve problems, revise their own work, and construct knowledge. The advantages of integrating multimedia in the classroom are many. Through participation in multimedia activities, students can learn:

• Real-world skills related to technology
• The value of teamwork
• Effective collaboration techniques
• The impact and importance of different media
• The challenges of communicating to different audiences
• How to present information in compelling ways
• Techniques for synthesizing and analyzing complex content
• The importance of research, planning, and organization skills
• The significance of presentation and speaking skills
• How to accept and provide constructive feedback
• How to express their ideas creatively

There are, however, some constraints to using multimedia in the classroom, including:

• Technological resources, both hardware and software
• Technological skills, for both the students and teacher
• Time required to plan, design, develop, and evaluate multimedia activities
  
  

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Review Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students. The following effects are outlined:

• Change in Student and Teacher Roles
• Increased Motivation and Self Esteem
• Technical Skills
• Accomplishment of More Complex Tasks
• More Collaboration with Peers
• Increased Use of Outside Resources
• Improved Design Skills/Attention to Audience