Video Killed the Textbook Star? Use of Multimedia Supplements to Enhance Student Learning

A Study of Video-Mediated Opportunities for Self-Directed Learning in Required Core Curriculum

“…Various studies have also suggested that student satisfaction and motivation are higher in courses that use multimedia materials (Astleitner & Wiesner, 2004;Yarbrough, 2001). More recent research by Rackaway (2012) specifically credited the higher levels of student engagement with the material facilitated by the incorporation of multimedia as having a positive effect on the achievement of learning objectives.…”

“…Borokhovski et al, (2015) in their recent meta-analysis of technology integration concluded that, "even development and introduction to educational practice of much more sophisticated computer tools and applications (what is often referred to as interactive, multi-functional, mobile, "smart" technology) have not impacted students' learning outcomes impressively enough to consider the issue unequivocally resolved in favor of proponents of educational technology (p. 1764). Rackaway (2012) blames the lack of attention and effort focused on determining best practices and effective use of multimedia in classrooms leading to haphazard and partial implementation for the lack-luster results of evaluative studies. As such, he calls for, "a pedagogical model that introduces a comprehensive multimedia toolkit geared to specific learning outcomes goals" (p. 190) in order to bolster multimedia as an effective teaching tool.…”

“…When used effectively and in line with best practices, Rackaway (2012) argues that multimedia provides for the accommodation of multiple learning styles that better engage students in course materials. Williams and Harkin (1999) also highlighted the advantage of reaching students with diverse learning styles and emphasized thoughtful inclusion of multimedia based on addressing specific learning goals, problem areas or deficiencies.…”

“…This video format has been implemented in traditional and blended courses as a supplement to existing course materials and serves as the main delivery format for the growing number of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) (Brame, 2015). Various studies assessing the use of low-cost educational videos, aimed at supporting independent learning have concluded that they address the previous problems related to video inclusion and represent an effective learning tool (Allen & Smith, 2012;Hsin & Cigas, 2013;Kay, 2012;Lloyd and Robertson, 2012;Rackaway, 2012) Self-Directed Learning Self-directed learning has long been conceptualized as a pillar of higher education. Knowles (1975) first defined the concept as "a process in which individuals take the initiative with or without the help of others in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating goals, identifying human and material resources, selecting appropriate learning strategies and evaluating learning outcomes" (p. 18).…”

“…The research literature reviewed above provides multiple calls for specific, thoughtful, and intentional selection of topics that benefit from the inclusion of multimedia content (Ludwig et al, 2004;Rackaway, 2012: Williams & Harkin, 1999. Anecdotal evidence from instructors suggests that students struggle to connect material from the pre-requisite courses -writing and statistics -to aid in understanding concepts or completing assignments in the RSCH 202 course.…”