“Today, digital media and multimedia play an increasingly important role in education, business, and entertainment (Gunter, 277).” Multimedia is simply, more than one type of media such as text, video and audio. Digital media is a more advanced form of media enabling the user to create and interact with information. This media is ideal for communication use, and for the ability to explore links which transfer the user to more information. Students can use this media to interact with parts of the world otherwise off limits to them. Students can view the Mona Lisa in the Louve. They can explore other countries and national treasures through digital technology. Educational programs that use this technology enable students to learn and explore new information of their own, at their own pace. Digital media applications are designed to challenge students, make them engage in the material, and teach them to think critically. This technology is used frequently by teachers in order to deliver lessons. Entire classes can be completed via digital media, and computer-based training is used to educate people in different skills.
Though this new technology is a welcome commodity that has proven very useful and enlightening, it can also be a hindrance. Since advanced technology exists today which can help people explore and learn, people seem to think teachers and life experience are less important. Even though you are able to find programs that will teach you skills and help you learn, the interaction and close attention you receive with a teacher cannot be matched. Computer-based training can teach you what you need to learn for job skills but only an instructor can relay personal advice, encouragement, and relative experiences. In the end simulations and models don’t compare with real life interaction, and hopefully will never replace it.
Since last weeks class I learned how to better use the SAM program. I also was playing around with my digital camera this weekend after I decided to take some pictures. I learned how to download the pictures to a Google program called “Picassa.” This program edits pictures. You can do so many cool things to your photos artistically. It’s a free download from the Google home-page. Everyone should try it out to see if you like it! :)
1 comment:
Interesting point regarding not being able to replace the individual attention provided by a teacher.
But, do you see a potential for technology in assisting the teacher in providing 'individual' attention that a teacher might not be able to provide? I'm envisioning an 'adaptive' program that could give students instruction/practice/feedback at their level -- perhaps to an extent that a teacher would not be able to provide in a class with many students.
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