Computer Assisted Learning/Multimedia

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Computer Assisted Learning/Multimedia

• Jeff James
• Educational Development Unit, PolyU
• X6290 etjJames_at_polyu.edu.hk

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CAL
CBI
CAI
CBT
CALL
CMI
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CAL
emphasis on learning
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This session
Overview of computer assisted learning.
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more specifically

• I. types of CAL software,
• II. hypermedia/multimedia environments,
• III. authoring languages,
• IV. design considerations,
• V. a critical view of CAL/multimedia.

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I. Types of CAL Software

• drill and practice
• games
• simulations
• tutorials
• tools
• (hypermedia)
• (CMI software e.g.. tests)

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categorizing is difficult
imagine a space travel game in a hyper
environment with a tutorial component.
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drill and practice
Typically, drill and practice activities are
supplementary to the normal teaching process.
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drill and practice
Drill and practice is good for fundamental
mastery.
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drill and practice
Can be thought of as a flash card system of the
stimulus-response model.
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drill and practice
Speed is important for both presentation and
feedback.
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drill and practice
often incorporates

• randomness
• record keeping

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games
Often CAL software is presented in game format.
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games
May include point scoring, and can be individual
or team format.
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games
Have the potential for a very motivational
environment.
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simulations
Can provide microworlds (e.g., a world without
friction or gravity).
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simulations
The University of Illinois has successfully
provided computer- driven dry chemistry labs.
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simulations are

• safe
• inexpensive
• fast
• slow
• clean
• possible

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tutorials
Self-paced, where the computer acts as an
infinitely-patient, all-wise tutor.
Is this guy slow, or what??
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Typically a good tutorial will have
a structure(s) as follows
. . .
give information
give info.
OK
test
(needs help)
remediate
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give information
give info.
...
OK
test
(needs help)
remediate
can be very complex
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tools
Typically, application programs which are being
used by the student for learning.
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examples of tools

• spreadsheet programs
• statistics packages
• hypermedia software
• desktop publishing software
• presentation software
• CAD software
• etc.

q
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II. Hypermedia Multimedia Environments
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hyper- pref. over, above, too... eg.
hypersensitive or hypertension
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Ted Nelson described himself as being hyperactive.
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hypermedia can be thought of as chunks of
information (nodes), stored in a structure, and
accessed by links (buttons).
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hypertext
Textual information, structured by use of links
and nodes.
Here is some example text which is going to be
shrunk down to a size which is barely recognisable
good too because then my poor spelling wont
be recognised. Now, I have run out of
example text. Oh well so what?
Here is some example text which is going to be
shrunk down to a size which is barely recognisable
good too because then my poor spelling wont
be recognised. Now, I have run out of
example text. Oh well so what?
Here is some example text which is going to be
shrunk down to a size which is barely recognisable
good too because then my poor spelling wont
be recognised. Now, I have run out of
example text. Oh well so what?
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hypermedia
Like hypertext, but including sound, video,
and/or animation.
Here is some example text which is going to be
shrunk down to a size which is barely recognisable
good too because then my poor spelling wont
be recognised. Now, I have run out of
example text. Oh well so what?
Here is some example text which is going to be
shrunk down to a size which is barely recognisable
good too because then my poor spelling wont
be recognised. Now, I have run out of
example text. Oh well so what?
Here is some example text which is going to be
shrunk down to a size which is barely recognisable
good too because then my poor spelling wont
be recognised. Now, I have run out of
example text. Oh well so what?
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multimedia
Involves more than one medium (gt2 really, since
most literature contains graphics and text).
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multimedia
Involves the use of sound, animation, and/or
video as well as text and graphics.
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multimedia
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Even Ted Nelson said he didnt know the
difference between hypermedia and multimedia.
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Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia
Conference, June 1994, Vancouver. Ted Nelson
coined the term hypertext (non-sequential
writing).
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multimedia
Computer-controlled multimedia allows the
seamless integration of media.
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multimedia
Multimedia can provide a sensory-rich learning
environment.
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multimedia
Interactive multimedia is the incorporation of
multimedia with human-computer interaction.
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multimedia
Interactive multimedia provides an obvious
educational advantage over current broadcasting
publishing which is passive.
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Speed
Information regarding the concept of speed can
appear as text here. I know very little about
it myself, so perhaps a multimedia tutorial
about it would help me. To learn about it,
select options below, some perhaps more than
once..
Choose one option below
play speed movie take a quiz more information
WWW tutorial
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Metaphors abound. A computer screen
of information can be a slide, a page, a
card, a node, whatever...
Speed
Information regarding the concept of speed can
appear as text here. I know very little about
it myself, so perhaps a multimedia tutorial
about it would help me. To learn about it,
select options below, some perhaps more than
once..
Choose one option below
play speed movie take a quiz more information
WWW tutorial
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There are many possible HyperDesigns.
Linear
.....
.....
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There are many possible HyperDesigns.
Network
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Possible applications of less complex designs
include electronic books, and information/
training kiosks.
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Hyperdesigns give the user opportunity for

• more control, but
• require careful planning and analysis.

q
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III. Authoring Languages
Packages exist which allow the creation of CAL
packages by non-computer programmers.
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Authoring packages exist for a variety of
platforms. For example
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You can use HyperCard on a Macintosh to create
stacks of cards.
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You can use ToolBook on a PC to create a book (of
pages).
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You can run Authorware on Mac, PC, or UNIX
environments (to create flow lines).
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Examples of other software include

• Icon Author (Windows, UNIX)
• Macromedia Director (all)
• TenCore
• cT

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IV. Design Considerations
Two important points in designing CAL software
are

• the design team and
• user interface design

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Typically, the design team can circulate ideas on
storyboards (hard copies of screen templates).
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Storyboards circulate among design team members.
cognitive scientist
content expert
programmer
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graphic artist
aaa
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Some quick tips for User Interface Design

• allow the user control
• use visual cues
• be consistent
• design, dont decorate

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V. A Critical View
1. CAL is an inferior teaching medium.
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a critical view
2. Users can become disoriented and lost in
hyper environments.
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a critical view
3. Too much attention is paid to appearance
(esp. graphics) and not enough to educational
issues.
q
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Summary
1. There are many types of CAL software other
than sequential point-and-click text.
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Summary
2. hypermedia/multimedia environments offer
great potential but require care in design.
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Summary
3. Many authoring languages are available,
allowing everyone programming potential.
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Summary
4. Many important design issues need to be
considered.
q