Media in the form of a film clip, song, podcast, lecture or newspaper article can be a component of active learning strategies such as group discussions or case studies. The use of media to enhance teaching and learning complements traditional approaches to learning and builds bridges between student’s knowledge and course learning objectives. Using media engages students, aids student retention of knowledge, motivates interest in the subject matter and illustrates the relevance of many concepts.
- Instructors can integrate media into their lectures and discussions or can ask students to use or develop their own media.
- Instructors should start small – introduce one movie or song, then expand once they are well-versed in the learning strategy.
- Instructors must create a proper learning context so that there is a clear link between what the instructor wants to convey and the media.
- Using subtitles for visual media can unintentionally steer student’s attention away from the lesson’s content.
- Clear grading criteria must be provided to encourage student participation.
For Instructor-generated learning, media can be introduced in the following ways:
- Before the learning concept – Showing media before the discussion allows quick reference to easily recalled examples as it gives students an image to which they can compare the topics under discussion.
- After brief introduction but before learning concept – This method helps students to focus attention while watching the media as it provides them with a brief capsule of what the media is about and what to look for.
- After learning the concept – Allows the instructor to use the scenes as case study.
- Before and after – Utilize media before the discussion to give students an anchor. Guide the students through a description or discussion of the topics. Rerun the media as a case study and ask student’s to analyze what they see using the theories and concepts just discussed.
For Student-generated learning:
- Involving students in creating media encourages collaboration, accountability, creativity and mastery of ideas and concepts.
- Instructors do not need to be media savvy as students have grown up in the digital age and are comfortable with technology.
- Instructors should help students focus on creating content that is meaningful to the intended audience.
Using Social Media:
- Students can blog about their project experience. Wikis and blogs provide avenues to increase collaboration between students.
- Instructors should encourage students to protect the copyrights of others.
- The use of media to enhance teaching and learning complements traditional approaches to learning.
- Effective instruction builds bridges between student’s knowledge and learning course objectives.
- Media can be used to motivate student discussions or help with knowledge retention.
- Interaction using social media provides students with a sense of belonging and creates bonds between students and their peers.
- Students have prior familiarity with social media sites, lowering the learning-curve associated with a new technology.