Multimedia in Schools

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Why Multimedia in Schools?

As technology advances, schools are receiving hardware with the latest software increasing the potential for much more than typing up documents and surfing the Internet. Through T4L rollouts, schools are receiving computers fully capable of producing quality multimedia work. If applied correctly, this technology can not only aid student learning, but also benefit the school and staff as well.

Multimedia applications are both very motivational and effective in the quality of output they produce. With the simple inclusion of a digital still or video camera, staff and students can create their own personalised multimedia content and share it within the school, with the parents, and also the community. The promotional value of this multimedia can potentially come invaluable for schools.

What Is Multimedia Content?

Multimedia is information in more than one form. It includes the use of text, audio, graphics, animation and full-motion video.

Typical examples of multimedia:

• Animation

• Video Games

• Encyclopaedia and Training Tutorials on CD-ROM or DVD

• Websites

• Videos

• Podcasts

• Vodcasts

How Can Multimedia Benefit Our School?

Benefits for Teachers

• Provides a framework to develop cross-curriculum units of work and collaborate with other teachers

• Can be integrated into the Quality Teaching framework

• Addresses outcomes in all Key Learning Areas

• Supports strategic directions of the State Literacy Plan 2006-2008

• Connects learning to popular culture and the real-world experiences of students

• Improves student literacy and technology outcomes across the Key Learning Areas

• Engages learners

Benefits for Students

• Improves literacy and critical thinking skills

• Improves technology skills

• Increases engagement in their learning

• Provides connections to real-world experiences

• Increases parent support and participation in student learning

Benefits for Parents and the Community

• Showcases and celebrates student work in the community

• Increases a sense of pride in the school community and in the work of students

• Improves student learning outcomes and engagement

• Improves home, school and community partnerships

• Values the experiences and knowledge of parents and community members

• Provides opportunities to support student learning through volunteering, mentoring or providing expertise in the classroom

Partnerships
Involvement in a film making or other multimedia project can extend beyond the classroom to community members and local businesses.

School communities can:

• Develop an database of film knowledge and technical skills in the community

• Invite guest speakers (i.e. Local TV or film maker)

• Seek sponsorship and support for a community film festival

There are plenty of reasons to get involved. Not only will you be engaging your students in exciting new projects, but you will also be utilising your school's technological assets to its full potential and develop something amazing you can showcase to the community.

For more information, email Medina Hasic at medina.hasic@det.nsw.edu.au

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