Multimedia Advantages When Teaching K-12 Science
Teaching with Internet-Based Resources Increase Interest in Learning
Aug 4, 2008
Using multimedia resources which are Internet-based to teach K- 12 science is a great resource for teachers and home school parents. Internet-based resources provide students with access to resources for learning science concepts, which cannot be duplicated in most science classrooms or home settings. This is primarily due to the cost of equipment and other resources which most schools and parent scan cannot afford.
One advantage of using multimedia resources for teaching K-12 science is that it peaks the interest of students. This peak in interest is primarily due to their living in a fast paced technological world. They understand computers and the Internet much more than typical adults today. Also, they are not afraid to use technology for learning. It is almost like an extension of their body.
Advantages of Teaching with Internet-Based Multimedia
Students respond to information differently; no two students are the same. Many have similar learning styles; however none have been pressed from the same cookie cutter mold. This is where Internet-base multimedia comes in, using a variety of formats to teach. These are some advantages of using online multimedia:
- Animation – encourages student interaction.
- Videos – stimulates visual senses to encourage interaction, no more than 5 minutes in length.
- Sound – stimulates the auditory senses to encourage interaction.
- Student Interest – concepts are conveyed quickly and effectively to students.
Other advantages include the fact that VCRs, TVs, CD Players, and overhead projectors are not needed to teach a lesson. In fact, no computer lab is needed either. Teachers only need 2 to 3 computers and home school parents only need a computer.
Learning Center Approach to Using Online Multimedia
The best way to integrate Internet-based multimedia is by setting up science learning centers. Learning centers can be used in the following ways to stimulate student interaction:
- An Internet-based learning center(s) are set up to support hands on laboratory investigations. Students or pairs cycle through computer stations to watch short online videos about the concept being investigated.
- When a teacher or parent needs to work one-on-one with specific students, the others can cycle through online science videos or animations which support current concepts being taught. This helps develop better understanding of science concepts.
- This strategy can also be used to support students who need remedial work on specific science concepts.
- A teacher can use selected short Internet-based videos and animations to support the lecture’s main concept or idea.
Internet-Based Science Resources
Searching the Internet takes time, so the best approach is to access websites that have already done the leg work for you. These are good examples:
- Teacher Tube – provides short science video and animation clips developed by teachers and other educators demonstrating scientific concepts and ideas. The videos are screened for appropriateness for students.
- Science Daily – provides news, videos, and images in all science concept areas.
- Brain Pop – has many videos and animations for all science content areas.
- Yahoo Kids – provides videos and animations to support teaching science concepts.
These four are just examples of Internet-based multimedia science websites which provide resources for teachers, parents, and students. These four have also established standards for ensuring only appropriate material is provided. Visit Web-Based Science Inquiry for additional strategies for integrating Internet-based multimedia resources in science learning centers.
