Applying Learning Theories and Animation in OSiMM: A Multimedia Computer Science Learning Courseware

Abstract

Learning and instruction in higher education may be primarily concerned in most cases with the content of their academic lessons, and not very much with their instructional delivery. However, effective instructional delivery with technology and based on sound learning theories has been known to have an impact on student performance. With the rapid development in the computer and multimedia technologies, it has become feasible to integrate multimedia technologies into the teaching and learning process. What has been the conventional teacher-centered teaching approach is now seeing a shift into one which emphasises on student-centered learning approach. There is a body of evidence that supports the benefit of using animations to assist learning. The domain knowledge applied in this study was on a Computer Science subject, for the topic of memory management. Memory management is one of the topics taught in the course on Operating Systems in Computer Science and Information Technology programmes. This chapter discusses the design and development of a courseware based on Mayer’s Cognitive theory of Multimedia learning, and the use of animation in the teaching and learning of a computer science subject. An instructional design model based on the theories discussed was then constructed and prototypes were developed in 3-D animation. A survey was then conducted on users’ instructional value and overall satisfaction and the results are reported.