What I refer to as simply the umbrella term "web-based" (in my mind I mean on the internet, offering interactive instruction with sound, visual, text, etc.) is esentially multimedia instruction. Multimedia is still obviously "web based" but I think it is important to note that to narrow this term web based down to more specific terminology can help identify and make more distinct the instructional tools and approaches of teaching grammar in the 21st century classroom. The authors of this study, conducted in February 2011, defines multimedia as a "combination of different media (i.e., text, pictures, sounds, video, animations, etc) used to present multimodal information in conjunction with computer technology (2).
In addition, the authors point out that the term "multimedia" is now associated with computer, or web, based delivery, although the term has not always been associated with computers. The major point here is that "multimedia cannot be experienced without technology because it is the technology that creates the experience"(2). When educators use multimedia approaches to teaching grammar, we are providing opportunities for creating engaging learning environments, helping students to acquire creative, communicative and collaborative skills; we are not just "using the computer". There are many options to educators by way of tools and technologies, and these are more than simple grammar checkers. Some of these technologies, that CAN be used to teach grammar, are social networking sites, blogs, YouTube, and Podcasting. Each of these technologies are excellent tools for teaching grammar in a richer, more applicable and real world environment; making learning more meaningful overall, which ironically enough are what many of the grammarian debaters bring up as what grammar instruction needs to be. The next step, embracing mulitmedia web based tools. I find it interesting that even though educators see the benefits of using social media and multimedia tools/approaches to instruction, there is still a division of thinking when it comes to the grammar debate.
I say this as I read a recent article from TechNews Daily entitled "Teachers Embracing Social Media in the Classroom." This article is a feature on several schools that began using social media tools in the classroom. What I found interesting was in the interview with the a New Jersey Principal. When asked if social media was replacing current curriculum, he states, no, it is a "transformation", that "you have to have a solid pedagogical foundation. You still need to teach things like writing, spelling and grammar." What I wonder is why he states grammar as a separate concern, an assurance of pedagogical foundation; there is a sense of fear here in my opinion. The entire article highlights the great benefits of using social media in the traditional classroom, but seems to stay away from any mentions in the changing of grammar. Why this mindset of so many educators?
I think attitude and perception are again very important factors. Since most traditional classrooms are face-to-face, multimedia approaches to grammar instruction can actually "foster and develop cognitive engagement through the ability to attract and hold students attention and focus"(3) by making this learning more applicable. The visual and auditory aspects of multimedia instruction reach all learning styles, which is especially important in K-12 education. Multimedia strategies increase educators ability to execute teaching strategies to meet all of these student needs and styles. Students can KNOW and embrace their learning styles. Students do not just sit as repostitories of knowledge, they are activley engaged and as the researchers of this study support, "sound or auditory applications in teaching may actively engage students in analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information and constructing knowledge"(4). Students ask questions, interpret responses, interact and participate.
This participatory nature of learning mimiks that of the new landscape of the internet. Everyone is an author, everyone participates in a variety of conversations, with freedom of choice. What would happen if students entered into this kind of conversation with grammar? Shaping teachers and students perceptions of using multimedia approaches in the traditional setting is key, and perhaps the first step in full implementation of multimedial grammar instruction.
Works Cited: 1. Ned Smith, TechNews Daily. "Teachers Embracing Social Media in the Classroom". May 4 2010. Date Accessed 21 March 2011.
2. Brandenburg, Teri and Chien, Yu. "Multimedia Database Applications: Issues and Concerns for Classroom Teaching." The International Journal of Multimedia & Its Applications (IJMA). Vol.3, No.1, February 2011.
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