Teaching Science Through Multimedia: Transitioning from a Technology-Centered Approach to a Learner-Centered Approach

Abstract

An increase in the amount of educational multimedia content found on the internet has made it easier for teachers to flip their classrooms and have students learn through video as opposed to traditional lecture. However, two primary concerns exist with this method: (1) learning through video can be too passive as students are just expected to absorb the material and (2) there is usually no way to ensure students are viewing the multimedia assigned for them to watch. This project addresses each of these concerns and proposes solutions. Criteria are also identified within the literature to establish what characterizes a given piece of educational of multimedia as effective. To address the aforementioned concerns, it is suggested that some form of assessment be embedded into interactive multimedia. Using online software created by Edpuzzle, questions and notes can be embedded into videos chosen by the teacher. In doing this, educators can assess student understanding in real time while the video is viewed. Embedding this assessment into online multimedia also enables students to learn in an active form rather than a passive one. Following the suggested criteria while also incorporating internal assessment within videos ensures that a typical flipped classroom can be transformed from a technology-centered approach to a learner-centered approach.