Multimedia and creativity

Multimedia encompasses a wide variety of dimensions however in its general description it is using technology that presents work that combines text, video and sound.

There are three notions that underpin multimedia being Dual-Channel notion whereby we as teachers accommodate for students learning preferences such as through visual and auditory modes. Limited capacity assumption whereby teachers understand there is a limit to students cognitive load so making sure that information is appropriately spread out. Lastly, active processing whereby students fully grasp content that is presented to them and make meaning out of content by connecting it to prior knowledge thereby expanding their knowledge.

Within tutorials we focused on choosing one of four workshop activities I focused on using Adobe Photoshop. Photoshop is a tool edits pictures and in modern society is often used to create digital art.

Photoshop images created by Shah Garcia

Adobe photoshop is a technological tool that can be implemented in all sorts of classes. However, in being specific to a chosen area in stage 5 history that focuses on “The Modern World and Australia” especially focusing on developments of modern society such as technology, health, living standards, sustainability of the planet and environment concerns (NESA, History K-10, 2017). Whereby students can create collages, presenting multiple sources of images drawn from the internet and books that show history of the modern world to the class.

Creativity can be fostered by students that use multimedia by giving students multiple tools to use to create their own original work (Hernandez-Ramos & De La Paz, 2009). In relation to photoshop the tool gives students a multitude of tools for students to portray work the way they want something original that promotes creative thinking (ACARA). Creativity can also be fostered in multimedia by making content relevant to the students. As for example for example above using modern societal history to relate to students, thereby intrinsic motivation is promoted making students be more active in their learning.

This video portrays the extensive tools that Adobe Photoshop has in creating multimedia By Shah Garcia

Limitations that multimedia contains in enhancing creativity is that some students may not have the proficiency in using multimedia to its full extent ( Al Hasimi, et al, 2019). Also Al Hasimi and editors (2019) make note that a key factor for the hinderance of creativity in multimedia is the “lack of teachers interest” (p.187). Therefore, it is important to grasp a full understanding on how to implement multimedia into your classrooms specifically subject specific teaching area to promote creativity.

References

Al Hashimi, S., Al Muwali, A., Zaki, Y., & Mahdi, N. (2019). The effectiveness of social media and multimedia-based pedagogy in enhancing creativity among art, design, and digital media students. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 14(21), 176–190. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v14i21.10596

Australian Curriculum. (n.d.). Critical and creative thinking. Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/critical-and-creative-thinking/

Hernández-Ramos, & De La Paz, S. (2009). Learning History in Middle School by Designing Multimedia in a Project-Based Learning Experience. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 42(2), 151–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2009.10782545

NSW Education Standards Authority. (2017) History K-10: Stage 5 The Modern World and Australia. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/hsie/history-k-10/content/834