In-service Multimedia Course

Introduction

To be well informed, concerned and connected with the world, 21st century citizens will use the Internet, television, newspapers and all other forms of modern media to stay abreast of global events. Our classrooms should be teaching students how to access and use these media outlets to gain a better view of the world they will soon be entering. Multimedia lessons do this. And by participating in this in-service course, so can you.

The best way to learn about something is to experience it, so in the beginning weeks of this course, you will be expected to "do" a multimedia lesson from the archive. By watching the news, reading the newspaper and analyzing a story, you will begin to see the potential of a multimedia approach to learning.

The various tasks associated with the multimedia lesson are designed to tap into the various learning styles a student must master. The video clip appeals to those with better listening and viewing skills. The multiple choice activity can be used as an assessment of those abilities. The reading comprehension, highlighting and vocabulary activities offer opportunities for students to hone their kinesthetic and critical thinking skills. The culminating writing assignment is a measure of a student's ability to blend together his/her various learning styles to form and express opinions, thoughts and dreams.

Multimedia lessons can become a powerful tool, with highly motivating topics and tasks on the grade 6 through 12 levels, to reach students. They also can be adapted to fit lower grade students. The events that daily make up the newspaper and television are interdisciplinary, current and connected to the lives of students and their families. The topics presented relate to most Global Studies, English, Science, Occupational and Health curriculums.