SPS Distance Learning Blog

As emergent and traditional learning modalities continue to evolve, the strategic incorporation of visual and auditory components has gained a level of popularity. In the context of the current educational landscape, especially with the widespread adoption of online asynchronous courses, it’s vital to understand how to streamline familiar means of communication and course facilitation to engage students through multimedia materials.

As someone with a background in elementary education, I’ve realized the significance of media-related materials that not only meet learning needs but also emulate an approachable or “typical” learning experience for students. Many possible factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, trends in social media and networking platforms, and affordable consumer electronics have influenced the accelerated adoption of these multimodal learning experiences and continue to push them to the forefront of educational strategies.

Here in the Distance Learning Department, we leverage our expertise to meet instructors where they are in their digitally mediated communication journey to assist them in creating multimodal learning experiences for students. Here are several ways you can incorporate audio, image, and video strategically in your online course.

Engagement and Interaction

1. Instructor Introduction: Start your course on a positive note by creating a well-scripted and rehearsed video introduction to set the tone. This not only provides essential information but also establishes a connection with students, creating a sense of engagement from the beginning. In this video from HCA 420: Operating in the Patient-Centric Healthcare Environment and Structures, Instructor Gayle Kricke does a fantastic job of introducing herself and familiarizing students with the topics they will be exploring in the course.
2. Feedback and Assessment: Add a human touch to assessments by providing personalized audio or video messages as feedback. In CIS 475: Leading Digital Transformation Execution, Instructor Srikanth Victory has effectively used these tools in the gradebook, offering tailored feedback and recommendations to his students. Check out this video to learn how to utilize the video/audio comment feature in the Canvas for personalized student feedback
3. Encourage Peer Interaction: Encourage the use of audio/video responses in discussion forums and for assignment submissions. This approach not only allows students to articulate thoughts verbally but also fosters a more interactive and engaging environment among peers. This HCA 420 Short Response Assignment (Video and Audio) incorporates media creation as a submission. For more information pertaining to video and audio recording please visit “How to create audio or video recordings?” 

Content Creation

1. Demonstrations and Simulations: Enhance learning by incorporating video demonstrations or simulations in your course. This is particularly effective for courses involving hands-on learning or specific skills development and can provide a more immersive learning experience. In CIS 459: Innovation with Blockchain Technology, Instructor David Ostrowski leads a demonstration of a basic (Hello World) smart contract interacting with the Ganache test network.
2. Content page: Transform your lectures and presentations into content pages that seamlessly integrate visual, audio components and your written lecture. According to Richard Mayer’s Multimedia Principle, students learn better when exposed to a combination of words and visuals. Creating visually appealing content pages embraces this principle. This not only enhances accessibility but also accommodates diverse learning preferences. 
   

   A screenshot of a course content page in HCA 410: Leading Quality Care and Ethical Compliance that includes written text, an interactive image and a video of the instructor demonstration.

3. Image creation: Utilizing images for instructional purposes ensures a focused and clear representation of complex concepts. Mayer’s Coherence Principle suggests that extraneous material that does not support instructional goals, should be avoided. Additionally, consider the integration of interactive and clickable images because this approach not only makes understanding complex concepts more accessible but also supports a streamlined and effective learning experience. Review the “How do I..? Include graphics and images guide” for tools and examples. Below is a thinglink example from one of our Data Science courses:

Click here to view the accessible version of this interactive content

Universal Design for Learning and Inclusion

1. Alt Text: Prioritize accessibility in your content by carefully crafting alt text for images. Before deciding between text and images, ask yourself: “Will the alt text be clearer in words, or would the information be better conveyed through an image?” Ensure that the alt text provides a concise and clear description, avoiding complexity that might confuse students.
2. Flexible Learning Paths: Offer multiple learning paths through a combination of audio and video content. This accommodates different learning preferences and allows students to choose the format that suits them best.

For more information pertaining to Accessibility please visit “How do I make a course accessible?”

Strategically incorporating audio, image and video assets in online courses is not just about embracing technology; it’s about creating impactful learning experiences through inclusive and engaging learning environments that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of your students. By implementing some of these strategies, instructors can enrich the online learning experience and foster a sense of connection in the virtual classroom.