Improving teaching efficiency with multimedia teaching aids

Multimedia authoring tools, presentation software, and computers offer instructors a wide range of possible teaching mediums. Many agree that if a new medium is to achieve its instructional potential and improve the teaching and learning process, it must embrace appropriate learning objectives and corresponding adaptive and narrative learning strategies. However, many unknowns hinder the acceptance of this technology, such as cost, necessary development time and overall benefits of using multimedia tools in the classroom. Continuing research at the University of Washington is focused on understanding the advantages and limitations of this technology. Initial efforts focused on associating the different types of multimedia with the learning goals of a construction management curriculum. This research explores the effects of sustained use and implementation of multimedia teaching aids through analysis of the teaching process and experimentation in the classroom. The goals of this study are to demonstrate how the use of multimedia can: (1) Improve the organization and availability of the course material for students and instructors, (2) Communicate course material faster, thus allowing time for additional enrichment activities, and (3) Improve the overall classroom experience for the student. Results and implications of this aggressive effort to identify multimedia development criteria for a construction management curriculum are presented.