As a learner, I feel relatively comfortable in my ability to process information from basic textual media and in most cases it is my preferred medium. I can stop reading for a moment to consider a concept further or keep reading as fits my cognitive ability at the time. Few presentation types offer the same type of flexibility.
At the same time, however, I must recognize that the quality of my absorption of new concepts is significantly better when the information is presented in a more engaging format. In particular, I like presentations which combine audio and video. Static graphics never seem to stick well in my long term memory, but place an instructor in front of the same graphic as he or she talks about it and points to it and I am likely to remember every word and gesture.
In fact, my experiences with instructional presentations lead me to the conclusion that the more complex and multi-layered the presentation the more engaged my mind will be, and the more detailed my subsequent recall of the presentation and the underlying concepts will be. Without the draw to mentally engage the topic, the information makes only passing acquaintance with my (very) short term memory.
"Without the draw to mentally engage the topic, the information makes only passing acquaintance."
ReplyDeleteAn outstanding statement of the entire generation of students today. They are multimedia 24/7 and obsessively communicate. I know I have students that have told me they are texting with friends and all kinds of strange hours. I think it would be great if we could harness their commitment to the current day's technology (and tomorrows) and steer learning through the things they love to do. Such as.... I think it would be great to come up with a chemistry video game!
David I am also a fan of the audio/video model. I use Lynda.com and Kahnacademy.com for much of my personal learning. Both sites do a great job of combining visual presentation with audio explanation. The format also allows me to rewind if I miss something, pause and work through some problems on my own (this plays into my personal preference for kinesthetic learning), and with Edmodo I am able to store individual Kahn academy lessons in my personal library for later reference.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links Aaron. I will definitely be checking those out. They would work well with my study style also.
ReplyDeleteI never considered myself a kinesthetic learner, and I'm still not convinced I really am. I have, however, recently noticed that I habitually take "breaks" in the midst of experiencing some cognitive overload, and think about the concept in a loose and casual way while I busy myself in some physical fashion. Inevitably I come back to the lesson with a fresh perspective and an easier understanding. Maybe it's just ADHD....
Let me add another layer to the conversation here.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most significant challenges to the traditional instructional model that puts the instructor as the primary source of information is the speed of information that is coming to the student. You are all alluding to this in your observations of the use of video and audio in the classroom.
The slowest method for acquiring information is through text only. The rate of consuming information is totally relying on the student's reading and comprehension ability.
Learning occurs at a faster rate when text is supported with visuals. This step is where most PowerPoints land. A traditional PPT with the teacher controlling the speed that the presentation moves still limits the speed of content absorption by the student.
When students have complete control of the delivery method that is primarily video and auditory, the content absorption rate speeds up rapidly. The student has the ability to totally control how fast or slow information is processed, they can repeat sections they want to hear again etc.
The piece that is missing in that last scenario is engagement with the community of learners including the teacher.
I personally believe that the strongest model for content delivery is that the "lecture" or information delivery should be done within a media model (think iTunes U) with the interaction then taking place live in the classroom or a virtual classroom. The instructor can then work with the clarification and "teachable moments" with their students rather than lecturing during class time. This is much more productive for students as well as the instructor.
Thoughts?
Joanne