Rich-media
definitely has benefits and draw-backs. Benefits: makes for a more
rounded presentation of information, allows learners with different
styles to access the same information, takes into account some
physical limitations. Draw-backs: can be distracting, make for a
slower loading page/lesson/module, etc, can tempt learners to skip
the main text and just focus on the rich part of the media. For those
of us with ADD/ADHD, it can completely throw us off our stride in
studying. For example: a few years ago, I was working through a
rich-media presentation that included a lot of interactive images and
animations. Unfortunately, I never finished that training because I
spent all my time clicking on the interactive elements and seeing
just what they would do and how they would react to different actions
on my part.
Because
I have spent so much time teaching languages, I automatically saw
benefits of rich-media and virtual worlds. Then, I thought of a way
to combine the two for even better effectiveness. I would love to
create a MUVE for a Spanish class (and, maybe another for an ESL
class) where students can become participants in a world where they
have to develop their language skills in the new language in order to
advance in the world. For example, a Second Life type world where
beginners would be recognizable as beginners and would therefore be
presented with images and printed words whenever another person spoke
in the target language. Then, as they improved their language skills,
they would earn credits that would allow them to change their virtual
appearance to match their newer skills. Eventually, they would be
able to appear, in the MUVE, as native speakers of the language. At
that point, they could choose to move on to a commercial platform
where they would be able to continue to practice their new skills so
as to not regress. Or, they could choose to move on to the real world
and apply their skills in face-to-face situations.
At
the same time, I would need to make sure that there were some sort of
built-in safeguards that would keep students who are easily
distracted from wasting their time playing around, uselessly, with
the interactive features. Perhaps there could be a roving “sheriff”
who would occasionally “test” a student’s progress and remind
them that they need to make good use of their time. Not entirely sure
how to make this part of the equation happen. But, I will continue
looking into it.
Reiser,
Robert V.; Dempsey, John V.. Trends and Issues in Instructional
Design and Technology (3rd Edition). Pearson HE, Inc.. Kindle
Edition.
Informal
discussions with students about types of new learning environments
they would like to see implemented.
I agree, I get very distracted during presentations that have a lot of 'glitz' going on. I tend to watch the platform that presenters use rather than the content.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of having a classroom role. That gives students accountability and lets them know that they have to pay attention. I have done classroom projects where there are different roles for each member of the group; time keeper, task manager, secretary, etc. Adding an additional role of a sherif or admin, whatever you want to call it, would be an easy fix.
Perhaps, they could have a rubric and have each member do a self evaluation and they do an evaluation? I don't know, it gets hairy when students are testing others, but I love the idea.
I actually had one coworker that asked me if we could just design the training so he could put it on in the background and he could just go about his regular work. I told him that he was the perfect demographic that we alwasy have in mind when we need to design something engaging.
ReplyDeleteIt has been great getting to read both of your posts. I have learned a lot from both of you. All the best in your future endeavors.
I believe what you say about Rich media being too distracting for student with disabilities. I've taught children with dyslexia and until I was trained in Erlin, I never realized how much. Even your Blog background is a little difficult for me. :)))
ReplyDelete