Multimedia Pedagogues: Interactive Multimedia Systems for Teaching and Learning

Audio-visual material can provide useful aids for learning when integrated into computerbased teaching systems. However, a teaching system is only useful if the learner remains active and motivated. It is well-known that page turning or browsing does not ensure effective learning. To learn, students must want to learn and must be involved and active. They must be challenged to reason about the material presented. Flashy graphics and simulations are not enough; the experience must be authentic and relevant to the learner's life [Schank, 1994]. Active learning multimedia environments have been called for by other authors [Stevens, 1989; Schank, 1994]. We continue this theme and assert that multimedia, when coupled with other improvements in educational software design, can support effective and quality instruction. We propose a model for instruction which moves beyond the ‘Tyranny of the Button’ [Hall, 1994] and includes use of intelligent simulation, dynamic links (on-line generation of links based on a student’s behavior), and multimedia composition and creation. We discuss technological barriers which prevent the widespread development of effective systems along with ways in which these barriers can be broken down. Finally we suggest that truly interactive systems can evolve into multimedia pedagogues and can facilitate a shift in teaching and learning.