Abstract
When an instructor is able to identify, develop and apply appropriate digital media content that motivates learners and encourages them to learn, the process of learning is empowered. This study has identified multimedia digital content packaged in the format of video as the most preferred learning media by the learners. Content formats that had highest hit rate with accessed mean rate above 300 (discussion forums, video clips, and graphics) are discussed. The study revealed that learning becomes interactive and effective when a video is presented in the style of hypermedia. Learners' perceptions rating indicated that learners perceived the video format as satisfactory, helpful in knowledge retention, motivational and an enhancement of learning. Available online authoring tools and supportive open content sites are identified and educators are encouraged to develop digital content in video format and disseminate them for teaching and learning.
TopIntroduction
The phenomenal growth of mobile devices amongst learners in last few years, coupled with the development of various multimedia content and authoring tools excite educators and challenges them as well. Educators are constantly exploring ways in which digital content can be utilized via mobile devices for purposes of learning. They are trying to find out what digital content can transform learning in the classrooms that are already invaded by mobile devices. Researchers in the area of educational technologies are also working hard to provide answers that are pedagogically acceptable. Software engineers are also working closely with instructional design experts to develop tools for authoring and producing digital content for learning. According to Hix and Hartson, (1993), Digital content that is pedagogically acceptable require: -
- 1.
To be prepared in the context of learning i.e. in accordance with the syllabus and learning objectives;
- 2.
An appropriate medium for transporting it;
- 3.
A method of packaging that is independent of medium or is supported by the delivery medium;
- 4.
A delivery method/protocol that support multiple devices;
- 5.
Application software that provides linkages for interactivity;
- 6.
A method for evaluating if learning takes place.
Educators are faced with challenges of getting the right skilled workforce that can effectively use authoring tools to develop digital content for learning. While some contents are easy to create and post in learning forums, others require skills for creating them from scratch. Also, it is difficult for some teachers to identify the correct tools for authoring in a fast-changing technological environment. The following background knowledge is necessary when identifying tools for authoring multimedia content: - a storage device which stores one or more multi-media assets and one or more program objects; A display for displaying a plurality of timelines; A graphical user interface that allows the user to place icons representing one or more multimedia assets on a first of the timelines; and a processor for integrating multimedia content from the multimedia assets. This knowledge is necessary when establishing a multimedia authoring that is professionally acceptable even by secular media. However, there are many simple tools that teachers can use for educational multimedia content. It important at this point to note that pedagogical needs and learner preferences must always dictate the kind of media we choose, and not technology.
Research has revealed that it is often desirable to present learning content to a learner in multimedia format. However, the medium should also allow feedback from the learner by which learner’s learning may be assessed. The content given to a learner should be flexible enough to be altered based on the assessment outcome. This way, it assists the learner depending on the state of cognitive ability. Some media enhance content retention, especially visual images. According to Khosla et.al. (2015), Popular images are remembered more, these are familiar images that the learner can associate learning with. Known images balance the learner's cognition, driving the learner to remember more. Also, the number of icons or illustrations that a learner is presented with assists with balance. Khosla at. Al. (2015) continues to state that smaller number of images per page are remembered more and cultivating images are also remembered more. This is a question of cognitive load balancing of the learner during learning. It is, therefore, important to include multimedia that stimulate learning within the instructional designs and courseware.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Mobile Learning: Type of learning that take place when the learner is not in fixed location while taking advantage of mobile devices to access content and interact with it anytime anywhere.
Digital Content: Type of content that is stored in form of binary digits. The word digital refer to anything using digits, particularly binary digits. Digital content is stored on various media e.g. on magnetic media or solid state media. The opposite of digital media is analog media.
Digital Media Packaging: The creation of a container that defines how media exist together with its meta data in a computer file.
Digital Imaging: The creation and development of photographic images of real object.
Virtual Reality: Also known as immersive multimedia or computer-simulated reality, is a computer technology that replicates a real or imagined environment to simulates a user's physical presence and environment and allows interactions by creating sensory experience, which can include sight, touch and hearing.
Learner-Centered Learning: Also known as Student-centered learning, are methods of teaching that models instructions to focus on learners. The learner is given the opportunity to participate in creating content and determining the learning environment.
Hypermedia: A technique of linking a media with its storage location through pointers. A good example is links created on a web page such that when one clicks on the hyperlinks the action that follows is opening of another web page. One can link information which includes graphics, audio, video, plain text. It enables interactivity between user and media.
Augmented Reality: A supplemented environment where real and physical objects are viewed directly or indirectly via computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data.