0.1 Multimedia kits

A multimedia kit is a collection of teaching/learning materials involving more than one type of medium and organized around a single topic. Kits may include CD-ROMs, slides, audiotapes, videotapes, still pictures, study prints, overhead transparencies, maps, worksheets, charts, graphs, booklets, real objects, and models.

Some multimedia kits are designed for the teacher to use in classroom presentations. Others are designed for use by individual students or by small groups.

Commercial multimedia kits are available for a variety of educational subjects. These learning kits may include videotapes, audiocassettes, floor games, board games, posters, full-color photographs, activity cards, murals, wall charts, geometric shapes, flash cards, laboratory materials, for science experiments, and even puppets to act out stories. They also normally include student worksheets and a teacher’s manual.

Teachers or media specialists can also prepare multimedia kits. The main purpose of a kit is to give learners a chance at firsthand learning ---to touch, to observe, to experiment, to wonder, to decide.

Availability and cost of materials are obviously important considerations. Will there be one kit for all students to share, or can the kit be duplicated for all? If so, where will students find the necessary equipment? Can the kit be used in a variety of instructional situations?

Advantages

Cooperation. Kits can be an ideal mechanism for stimulating small-group project work. Cooperative learning activities can revolve around experiments, problem solving, role playing, or other types of hands-on practice.

Logistics. Kits have an obvious logistics advantage. Being packaged, they can be transported and used outside the classroom, such as in the media center or at home.

Limitations

Time consuming. It can be time consuming to produce and maintain the materials.

Relpacement. Lost components can make the kit frustrating to use.

Integration