Integrating Digital Media in the Classroom

Chapter 5 explains different ways to integrate digital media and educational software into your classroom. First I must explain some basic terms. Technology was the first term associated with computer use in the classroom, multimedia means more than one media and incorporates a variety of elements like text, graphics, audio, video, and animation. Digital media is defined as those technologies that allow users to create new forms of interaction, expression, communication, and entertainment in a digital format. Digital media software refers to any computer-based presentation or application software that uses multimedia elements. Multimedia consists of text, which consists of characters that are used to create words, sentences, and paragraphs and is a fundamental element used in all multimedia applications. Graphics are digital representations of non-text information, such as a drawing, chart, or photograph, audio is any music, speech, or other sound, while an animation is a graphic that has the illusion of motion if played back at the proper framing rate. Lastly, video consists of visual frames that are played back at speeds of 15 to 60 frames per second and provide full motion in real time.
Now that we are familiar with some basic terminology, we will discuss some applications of digital media. First a digital media application involves the use of digital media technology in education, business, and entertainment. I am going to discuss some examples of some applications. Computer-based training (CBT) is a tool that allows individuals to learn by using and completing exercises using instructional software on computers. Electronic books and references allow you to have millions of tools at your fingertips. An electronic book allows users to read, save, highlight, bookmark, and add notes to online text. How-to guides have become digital and show step-by-step instructions and interactive demonstrations to teach you practical new skills. Newspapers and magazines have become digital lately too.
Educational software applications in grades K-12 refers to computer software products used to support teaching and learning of subject related content. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is software designed to help teach facts, information, and/or skills associated with subject-related materials. Educational games help to teach students through repetition and practice and allows students to compete and challenge themselves. Tutorials are teaching programs that are designed to help individuals learn to use a product or concept.
As you have seen there are many digital media programs and educational software programs out there that are available to teachers. Research has shown that digital media applications are highly effective teaching tools, so incorporating them into daily teaching strategies is important in today's society.