Active Learning

Index

Number 3 1995

Active Learning
Number 3; December 1995
ISSN:  1357-1125

Editorial.......................................................2

The Benefits of Using Multimedia in Higher Education:  Myths and Realities
  by Matthew L Davies and David E A Crowther....................3-6
Abstract:  This paper critiques the way in which computer aided learning
(CAL) and multimedia courseware have been developed for use in higher
education.  This is done by considering the following myths which are
prevalent within this domain:
 - the use of multimedia courseware increases efficiency;
 - the use of multimedia courseware increases students' motivation to work;
 - multimedia courseware facilitates active learning;
 - multimedia courseware facilitates experimental learning;
 - the use of multimedia courseware is consistent with student-centred
   learning;
 - multimedia courseware leads to better learning.
The paper argues that the realities of using multimedia is at variance with
these myths, and explains the significance of this variance for the
development of courseware.

When Interactive Multimedia is not Truly Interactive
  by Joanne Heath...............................................7-9
Abstract:  The term interactive is frequently used in multimedia
advertising slogans.  In the case of language learning programs it is
often, if not always misused.  This could not be due to ignorance, but it
is more likely to be a deliberate attempt by marketers to mislead language
teachers.  This article exposes the ambiguity of the terminology and alerts
teachers to the issues.

De Tudo um Pouco - "a little bit of everything"
  by Erica McAteer..............................................10-15
Abstract:  A new teaching strategy for a required course in basic
Portuguese for the hispanic Studies degree at Glasgow University was tried
with the 1994-1995 class of second year students.  The traditional lecture
based course changed to one which integrated natural language classes, a
course textbook, and multimedia courseware.  Despite shortcomings and some
serious problems, the outcome was successful and the new course will run
next year.

Teaching opinion-making with Authorware Professional
  by Cam McEachern..............................................16-20
Abstract:  The author is a college humanities instructor with an interest
in workplace personal skills, critical thinking, and multimedia for
education or training.  This computer novice's series of computer based
opinion-making tutorials is presented while noting its ease and some
strengths and weaknesses.  An unresolved issue which emerges is how to
recognize multimedia's capabilities within the given educational context,
aside from the tremendous information resource it provides.  The tutorial
series points toward beckoning roles:  alternative development of
traditional skills on the one hand, and a radically new curriculum on the
other.  We likely need to recognize multimedia's interactivity with our own
teaching and learning.  Parts of this process may interest a variety of
educators.

Can Learning Via Multimedia Benefit Weaker Students?
  by Keith Haddon, Chris Smith, Don Brattan, Ted Smith..........22-27
Abstract:  Second year undergraduate students were taught either by
conventional methods or by a multimedia package.  use of and attitudes to
the package were generally positive.  Students using the package liked its
flexibility and developed individual learning patterns.  Although there was
no significant difference between the groups in examination performance,
there was a significant correlation between student ability and degree of
improvement for the multimedia group:  the lower the ability of the
student, the greater the degree of improvement.  The results suggest that
multimedia is a popular and effective method of teaching and is more
successful than conventional methods for students of below average ability.

Teaching with Multimedia:  A Case Study in Weed Biology
  by Bernard Lisewski and Chris Settle..........................28-35
Abstract:  This paper focuses on students' experiences of using CD-ROM
multimedia learning materials, as the major form of course delivery, on an
optional year two Weed Biology and Control module of the BSc Applied
Biological and Earth Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).
It describes the pedagogic rationale for, and the learning environment of,
the innovation along with the production and evaluation strategies employed.
the findings are derived from the use of a questionnaire, student diaries,
semi-structured interviews and an electronic tracking system which
monitored the study times and patterns of the users.  The paper concludes
by outlining issues relevant to the continued successful implementation of
multimedia resource based learning, across the the curriculum, in the face
of rising student numbers.

The Multimedia Brain
  by Marion Hall and David Robinson.............................36-41
Abstract:  The Open University is producing an interactive multimedia
tutorial on the brain and nervous system on CD-ROM, for use in its Biology:
 Brain and Behaviour course.  Such a tutor could have a wider use in higher
education as the subject matter is known to be difficult for students to
master.  A prototype version has been produced.  Consultation is now taking
place before work starts on a fully functional version that can be
evaluated for educational effectiveness.

Calculus Connections
  by Robert Harding.............................................42-44
Abstract:  Calculus Connections is designed to complement and enhance any
existing calculus course by providing a rich, interactive environment where
students can use modern technology as an investigative tool to ask "What
if...?" questions, explore the nature of mathematical models and probe
their relationship with the real world.  Calculus Connections will be
delivered on CD-ROM.  Its 24 module will span the standard calculus course
from introduction to line & volume integrals, and will be published in
conjunction with a Laboratory manual which provides textual material to
backup the courseware on the CD.  The modules use multimedia technology
(video, sound, simulation, dynamic graphics and symbolic manipulation) to
provide an active, motivating context for exploration, discovery, analysis
and interpretation.

OzChem:  an Australian Chemistry Laboratory Simulation
  by Audrey Wilson and Beth Cavallari...........................45-49
Abstract:  This paper describes the rationale, production and use of
multimedia chemistry materials at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
These materials provide students with a learning experience comprising
text, graphics, animation and video put together as a laboratory
simulation.  It is designed to prepare students for laboratory exercises
and is a prerequisite to laboratory entry.

CourseWorks:  An Extended Concept Mapping tool
  by Peter Miller...............................................50-53
Abstract:  CourseWorks is a concept mapping tool intended for use by both
academics and students.  Written in Toolbook, it is page-based and enables
creation, manipulation and linking of concept blocks.  In addition to a
title and textual annotation, concept blocks can have attributes allowing
the display of an image or video clip, linking to another page and
execution of an external program.  Extended attributes can also be defined
that are accessible from a simple expert system shell.  the map itself can
be displayed as a linear sequence suitable for presentations and its
textual content exported in either ASCII or HTML format.

NISS provides links to WWW resources
  by Annette Lafford............................................54

                               BOOK REVIEWS
Film And Television in Education
The Handbook of the British Universities Film and Video Council, edited by
Chris Dry
  by Michael Popham.............................................55-56
Constructing and Implementing Multimedia Teaching Packages, edited by Paul
Donnelly
  by Fred Riley.................................................57
The Design of Multimedia Learning Programs, by Erica McAteer and Robin Shaw
  by Alisa H S Nicholson........................................58

                            CONFERENCE REPORTS
ALT-C 95 Changing Technology, Changing Education
  by Paul Garrud.................................................59
Sixth IFIP World Conference Computers in Education (WCCE)
  by Audrey McCartan............................................60
EDUCOM 95 Leading the way: technology and beyond
  by Nick Hammond...............................................61

Diary...........................................................63

Transcribed by Kirsty Smith
19 January 1996


Submitted by: j.wood  (cijs27@ccsun.strath.ac.uk)
               Fri, 19 Jan 1996 16:25:26 +0000 (GMT)