Unimodal to Multimediated

Unimodal to Multimediated : 

Education as is explained is a life long process and plays a vital role in every individual’s life. Learning  is said to be the equivalent to change, modification, development, improvement and adjustment. It is not only confined to classrooms but it is peeping the world through the windows of technology.So the trend is changed from unimodal Instructions  to multimodal instructional technology.

As far as the word “Unimodal”  is concerned it refers to the single mode of teaching or having a single format of instruction as in past times we were using the face to face and small group tutorials in a classroom and is considered less powerful to cope with the modern society.

Ryan  remarked that 

“The transform in instructional strategy in schools has begun from coast to coast: that multimodal learning--using many modes and strategies that cater to individual learners' needs and capacities--is more effective than traditional, unimodal learning, which uses a single mode or strategy.”

Multimodal Instructional Strategies are :

1.   E- Learning

“E-learning known as electronic learning is a method of education used for web-based distance education, where in there is no face-to-face interaction.” Ryan

“E-learning is commonly referred to the intentional use of networked information and communications technology in teaching and learning. “  Som Naidu

E-learning has gained popularity in recent times. It is very beneficial in adding value in organizational matters, like it is easier to access information and there is flexibility with respect to time and place. It is a facility that reduces the travel time and associated costs. It eliminates the expense and inconvenience of getting the teachers and students in the same premise.

E-learning provides an experience that contains three distinct learning styles.
• Visual learners

• Kinesthetic learners : Kinesthetic learning is a learning style in which learning takes place by the student actually carrying out a physical activity, rather than listening to a lecture or merely watching a demonstration. It is also referred to as tactile learning. People with a kinesthetic learning style are also commonly known as do-ers.

• Auditory learners

E-Learning modalities

Individualized self-paced e-learning online refers to situations where an individual learner is accessing learning resources such as a database or course content online via an Intranet or the Internet. A typical example of this is a learner studying alone or conducting some research on the Internet or a local network.

Individualized self-paced e-learning offline refers to situations where an individual learner is using learning resources such as a database or a computer-assisted learning package offline (i.e., while not connected to an Intranet or the Internet). An example of this is a learner working alone off a hard drive, a CD or DVD.

Group-based e-learning synchronously refers to situations where groups of learners are working together in real time via an Intranet or the Internet. It may include text-based conferencing, and one or two way audio and videoconferencing. Examples of this include learners engaged in a real-time chat or an audio-videoconference.

Group-based e-learning asynchronously refers to situations where groups of learners are working over an Intranet or the Internet where exchanges among participants occur with a time delay (i.e., not in real time). Typical examples of this kind of activity include on-line discussions via electronic mailing lists and text-based conferencing within learning managements systems.

Advantages of e-learning to students.

1.    One can log-in and get all blended learning courses on the World Wide Web environment.

2.    Students can learn independently in any time and place.  E-Learning is self-paced and the learning sessions are available all time.

3.    Students can customize the course material as per their own needs.  They have added control over their learning process and are able to better understand the subject.

4.    E- Learning gives supporting environment to all individuals for learning methods.

5.    Students get single central location for all course materials.

6.    Students get a chance for enhanced exchange with other students and qualified teachers which are based on communication and information technologies.

7.    E-learning provides improved organization for regular studies like meeting assignment deadlines, homework etc.

8.    Students can deal with teachers who are highly qualified, but cannot reach because of distance barriers, now with e- learning coming in scene they can give their inputs and help students in their research.

9.    Students have an option to choose what they like.  E- Learning draws students to topics they like and enjoy.

Now let’s evaluate the advantages for teachers.

10.  First and foremost, the method of teaching becomes more interactive.

11.  Teachers can prepare single document for all different types of students, so that they don’t need to do it again and again.

12.  Timing is also flexible for teachers, they can do this with continuation to their regular classes in schools.

13.  They can get more and more information on net, that they embed in their course materials.

14.  Interaction with students become more appropriate.  When students are sharing their problems with teachers, since it’s not face to face they fear less and can ask their problems freely.

Cost effective	eLearning is more cost effective than traditional learning because less time and money is spent traveling. Since elearning can be done in any geographic location and there are no travel expenses, this type of learning is much less costly than doing learning at a traditional institute.
Flexibility	Flexibility is a major benefit of e-learning. e-learning has the advantage oftaking class anytime anywhere. Education is available when and where it is needed. eLearning can be done at the office, at home, on the road, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. Learners like e-learning because it accommodates different types of learning styles. They have the advantage of learning at their own pace. Students can also learn through a variety of activities that apply to many different learning styles. Learners can fit e-learning into their busy schedule. If they hold a job, they can participate in eLearning right at their desk. If the learner needs to do the learning at night, then this option is available while in their pajamas and do the learning if they desire.
Personalized learning	eLearning encourages students to peruse through information by using hyperlinks and sites on the worldwide Web. Learners are able to find information relevant to their personal situations and interest. eLearning allows selection of learning materials that meet their level of knowledge, interest and what they need to know to perform more effectively in an activity. eLearning is more focused on the learner and it is more interesting for the learner because it is information that they want to learn. eLearning is flexible and can be customized to meet the individual needs of the learners.
Develops knowledge	eLearning helps develop knowledge of the Internet. This knowledge will help learners throughout their careers. eLearning encourages students to take personal responsibility for their own learning. When learners succeed, it builds self-knowledge and self-confidence.

19. It's self-paced -- Most e-learning programs can be taken when needed. The "books" that you set up using Trainersoft create a module-based design allowing the learner to go through smaller chunks of training that can be used and absorbed for a while before moving on.
20. It moves faster -- According to an article by Jennifer Salopek in "Training and Development Magazine," e-learning courses progress up to 50 percent faster than traditional courses. This is partly because the individualized approach allows learners to skip material they already know and understand and move onto the issues they need training on.
21. It provides a consistent message -- E-learning eliminates the problems associated with different instructors teaching slightly different material on the same subject. For company-based training, this is often critical.
22. It can work from any location and any time - -E-learners can go through training sessions from anywhere, usually at anytime. This Just-In-Time (JIT) benefit can make learning possible for people who never would have been able to work it into their schedules prior to the development of e-learning. (If you manage a corporate learning program, however, be careful about requesting that workers learn on their own time from home.
23. It can be updated easily and quickly -- Online e-learning sessions are especially easy to keep up-to-date because the updated materials are simply uploaded to a server. CD-ROM-based programs may be slightly more expensive to update and distribute, but still come out cheaper than reprinting manuals and retraining instructors
24. It can lead to increased retention and a stronger grasp on the subject -- This is because of the many elements that are combined in e-learning to reinforce the message, such as video, audio, quizzes, interaction, etc. There is also the ability to revisit or replay sections of the training that might not have been clear the first time around. Try that in a crowded auditorium
25. It can be easily managed for large groups of students -- Trainersoft Manager allows corporate training directors, HR managers and others to keep track of the course offerings, schedule or assign training for employees and track their progress and results. Managers can review a student's scores and identify any areas that need additional training.

2.  ICT

ICT is an acronym that stands for Information Communications Tecnology

the concepts, methods and applications involved in ICT are constantly evolving on an almost daily basis. Its difficult to keep up with the changes - they happen so fast.

Lets focus on the three words behind ICT:

- INFORMATION
-COMMUNICATIONS
- TECHNOLOGY

A good way to think about ICT is to consider all the uses of digital technology that already exist to help individuals, businesses and organisations use information.

ICT covers any product that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or receive information electronically in a digital form. For example, personal computers, digital television, email, robots.

So ICT is concerned with the storage, retrieval, manipulation, transmission or receipt of digital data. Importantly, it is also concerned with the way these different uses can work with each other.

3.  Computer-Assisted Instruction

“Computer-assisted instruction” (CAI) refers to instruction or remediation presented on a computer. Many educational computer programs are available online and from computer stores and textbook companies. They enhance teacher instruction in several ways.

Computer programs are interactive and can illustrate a concept through attractive animation, sound, and demonstration. They allow students to progress at their own pace and work individually or problem solve in a group. Computers provide immediate feedback, letting students know whether their answer is correct. If the answer is not correct, the program shows students how to correctly answer the question. Computers offer a different type of activity and a change of pace from teacher-led or group instruction.

Computer-assisted instruction improves instruction for students with disabilities because students receive immediate feedback and do not continue to practice the wrong skills. Computers capture the students’ attention because the programs are interactive and engage the students’ spirit of competitiveness to increase their scores. Also, computer-assisted instruction moves at the students’ pace and usually does not move ahead until they have mastered the skill. Programs provide differentiated lessons to challenge students who are at risk, average, or gifted. *

Advantages :

1. Two way Instruction
2. Stored Instructional Programme
3. Student’s Responses
4. Individualized Instruction.

4. Video- Tex and Teletex system

: an electronic data retrieval system in which usually textual information is transmitted via telephone or cable-television lines and displayed on a television set or video display terminal

Teletex is an specification for a text and document communications service that could be provided over telephone lines.

5.  Tele Conferencing

A teleconference is a telephone or video meeting between participants in two or more locations. Teleconferences are similar to telephone calls, but they can expand discussion to more than two people. Using teleconferencing in a planning process, members of a group can all participate in an educational process or conference with agency staff people.

Teleconferencing uses communications network technology to connect participants’ voices. In many cases, speaker telephones are used for conference calls among the participants. A two-way radio system can also be used. In some remote areas, satellite enhancement of connections is desirable.

Teleconferencing saves an agency time and travel costs

A wider group of participants means a broader range of ideas and points of view

Teleconferencing saves people money and time

6.  Tele Lectures

The system allows professors to give interactive courses to distant classes and at the same time distribute them over the internet in real time.

In traditional tele-course approaches the professor is all alone giving the course almost like a broadcast. This kind of approach is not so pedagogical for the students that tend to get bored. Our approach diverts from this and introduces the notion of a local lecturer who is in the same classroom with the students. His role is to "animate" the students. In fact the course is given as a dialogue between the local lecturer and the remote one.

The main idea is that the lecturer in the classroom directs the evolution of the course, according to the response from the students (something which the remote lecturer cannot see too well). It is the local lecturer that posses questions to both the remote lecturer and the students, keeping the course in line with the subject. The existence of a local lecturer has also the advantage that in case there a network problem the course can still go on.