Lesson 15: Understanding Hypermedia

CONTENT

          Hypermedia is nothing but multimedia, but this time packaged as an educational computer software where information is presented and student activities are integrated in a virtual learning environment. Most educational IT applications are hypermedia and these include:

• Tutorial software packages
• Knowledge webpages
• Simulation instructional games
• Learning project management, and others

The presentation of information-learning activities in hypermedia is said to be sequenced in a non-linear manner, meaning that the learner may follow his path of activities thus providing an environment of learner autonomy and thinking skills.

Characteristics of hypermedia applications:

1. Learner control- the learner makes his own decisions on the path, flow of events of instruction.

2. Learner wide range of navigation routes- the learner has a wide range of navigation routes such as by working on concepts he is already familiar with. He may even follow a linear or logical path, even if the previous activity is half-completed. He may explore other sections opting to return or complete the previous activity.

3. Variety of media- Hypermedia includes more than one media (text, graphics, audio, animation and video clip) but does not necessarily use all types of media in one presentation. Since only virtual learning activity takes place, it is important from the standpoint of the teacher to optimize the learning process by identifying the characteristics of media application, as well as the advantages and limitations of such an application.

EXPERIENCE

          I like the concept in hypermedia especially in the part of the students, because me, myself as a students it is very important that sometimes we need to construct an idea in our own because through that we are able to develop critical thinking skills as well as creative skills since in involves virtual learning environment. Hypermedia is effective for both the teacher and the student as long as there is free flow of learning or shall we say helping one another towards achieving one common goal. I have been exposed to many educational computer software and so far it is effective and efficient to me. But, remember that all the hypermedia are just aid for instruction it should not replace the role of the teacher.

REFLECTION

           Hypermedia provides personalized learning activities as it helps those slow and poor learners. It gives activities suited to your learning objectives and needs. It presents variety of media that will really cater those fast and slow learners. Whereas in a traditional teaching methods, the teacher would take extra time, attention and effort to help the students who are slow in understanding the lessons. With that it gives teacher a hard time to develop new strategies and objectives for both fast and slow learners. So, it is really beneficial for the teacher to use hypermedia. It is also then possible for a teacher to let his students search, explore and discover in a traditional classroom. But with that, you need to provide the student an event to apply the learning, resources and materials as well as much time since the teacher has to take into consideration each one especially the slow learners.

        Hypermedia is really helpful for both the learner and the teacher but traditional learning does not mean no improvement on the student. It is still the best way for a nation which is not more particular or do not find it a need with using computers and information technology in boosting their economic status. Let us remember, computers have limitations and disadvantages too!

APPLICATION

As we all know effective teaching and learning now a days is not just giving students information through visual aids or using chalk and board. Hypermedia which is an audiovisual package is a big help for teachers to make their presentations not just attractive but also easy to understand by the students. Also, teachers can let their students to use hypermedia in their learning activities that can enhance students thinking skills.

  As a future teacher we are lucky to experienced the beneficial effects of using computer. Like this hypermedia a virtual learning process but using this we should understand that hypermedia in educational context  are used in order to ensure the successful integration in the learning process.This hypermedia application will serves as an instructional materials to motivate the students to learn. Using this application we should know the advantages and limitations to become effective.