Using Media to Enhance Teaching and Learning

Developed by G. Dirk Mateer , Penn State University, with considerable help from Linda S. Ghent, Eastern Illinois University, Tod Porter, Youngstown State University and Ray Purdom, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

What is Using Media to Enhance Teaching and Learning?

Media can be a component of active learning strategies such as group discussions or case studies. Media could be a a film clip, a song you hear on the radio, podcast of a lecture or newspaper article. Students can also create their own media. For example, student video projects can be a powerful learning experience.

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Why Teach with Media to Enhance Teaching and Learning?

The use of media to enhance teaching and learning complements traditional approaches to learning. Effective instruction builds bridges between students' knowledge and the learning objectives of the course. Using media engages students, aids student retention of knowledge, motivates interest in the subject matter, and illustrates the relevance of many concepts.

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How to Teach with Media to Enhance Teaching and Learning

Media -- like all other teaching techniques -- should be used judiciously in the learning process. Media can be used to motivate discussions or lock in concepts. However, there are a number of important considerations for faculty before they integrate media or ask their students to use or develop media in their courses. This section explores tips for effectively using media, notes a number of common mistakes to be avoided and describes how to involve students in creating media on their own. The dramatic growth of social media creates new opportunities for engaging students. These include social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and Twitter along with blogs and wikis.

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Examples of Using Media to Enhance Teaching and Learning

Here are detailed examples to help you see the power of media to enhance what is learned.

References

Click here to find scholarly references that pertain to the use of media in learning.