Revision

In IMM, revision after the practice helps the learner to revise the part which they have not understood. The practice is after each part is over. when the learner cannot understand the part revision is taken of the same part. The learner can revise and give the practice test again.
For example, 

this frame is from the package which is about 'Introducing Myself' the practice test will help the learner to know if they have learned to introduce themselves to others. if the answers which the learner has given are wrong he/she can click on the "NEXT" button to get the revision.

This is a revision frame that the learner will get for revision. He/she can play the videos and revise the learning. after the revision they can give the revision test again to know their level.

Hence, revision is an important characteristic of an IMM package as it helps the learner to revise their learning and understand the concept with more clearance.

Visual Feature

Visual plays a very important role in Interactive Multimedia Package. It helps us to communicate the concepts and engage our learners throughout the course. As per Dr. Lynell Burmark, an Education consultant says that our short term memory processes words, but only retain seven bits of information, whereas the images are directly processed by our long-term memory in a way that cannot be removed or forgotten. It also helps to process the information faster. Lets us see few examples of visual:

Figure 1

Figure.2

Proper font size, font style, and font color should be used as shown in the above figure 1 & figure 2. The readable, precise and user-friendly text makes the package look more appealing.

Figure. 3

Figure. 4

Figure. 5

Proper background colors, as well as the images used for explaining the concepts, should be carefully selected and used as shown in figure 3, 4, & 5. Text with the combination of graphics helps to understand the concept in a better manner. So it is advisable to use verbal explanation with graphics to a larger extent. It will help to make the entire package appealing and at the same time, it will also help convey the message with the images faster. Before selecting the visuals, the target audience age, experience and content should be taken into consideration. Using proper images, videos, or infographics, proper font size, font style/color help to arouse and maintain the learner's interest throughout the modules. Hence, visuals are one of the core elements of IMM package. If used properly, it will add essence to the IMM package.

Pedagogical Sequencing

Learner Control: Features of SLM

Learner Control is essential feature of Self Learning Material . There are three types of learner control:

1. Content Sequencing. Learners can control the order of the lessons, topics, and screens within a lesson. eg. h a course menu from which learners select topics in any sequence they wish.
2. Pacing. Learners can control the time spent on each lesson page. eg., options to move backward or to exit are made available on every screen.
3. Access to Learning Support. Learners can control instructional components of lessons such as examples or practice exercises. eg. Within a given lesson, navigation buttons, links, or tabs lead to course objectives, defi nitions, additional references, coaches, examples, help systems, or practice exercises.

Here are some screenshots, which eg of learner control-

Content: Activities/Examples

Activities/Examples

Activities: Multimedia programs bring to education the extraordinary storage and delivery capabilities of computerized material. This important for schools, libraries and learning institutions where books are difficult to obtain and update. It is also a powerful source for acquiring learning resources.
One of the features of IMM packages is that it makes use of activity which will help learners to remember what they have learned.
One of the activities is recognising the difference between 2 videos or it can also be imaged. As you can see in the image given below where there are three videos text given, where one as to answer which is the better way of introduction.

In the second image, u can see that one as to rank the men using ordinal names. As you can see in this image there is animation used it is properly sequenced this helps to grab the attention and create interest of the learners.

Interactive multimedia also use the activity of drag and drop

As you can see the image given below.

Selecting correct answers (multiple choice) is also used in Interactive multimedia packages. As you can see in the first image there are two options given for selecting the correct option and also a reference provided(map with details of rain)

In below image there is different formate used, there are images shown and you have to select an appropriate image based on the question.

Examples:

In IMM you can use scenario-based examples, as you can see in the image given below where there is a conversation shown between two men.

One can give examples related to real-life situations. Which help learners to relate with their past experiences. While adding scenarios as an example in interactive multimedia packages one needs to see whether the example is fitting in the content presented it should relate to the content shown.

Pedagogical sequencing

Pedagogical sequences are the temporal arrangements. It is specific to one or more educational discipline, in which the teacher identifies the circular content and transforms the content into teachable knowledge. Pedagogical sequences are based on pedagogical goals and resources are applied to a given period of time. The sequence of the content should be in the correct order.

1.  The sequence starts from the name of the topic 

2. The objective of the topic is important

3. Some of the interactive multimedia have a pre-test before they start with the actual content

4. After the pre-test, the IMM starts with the real introduction and explanation of the topic with some examples

5. At last post-test is given to check whether the learners have understood the content and feedback is also provided.

Audio feature

Audio

Interactive multimedia (IMM) is a blend of various Media that intends to maximize the learning. Audio is a prominent part of any interactive multimedia. It truly justifies the “interactive” component of an IMM package. Audio is an enhancement that makes understanding the content easier. Mostly a learner would rather prefer a package in which everything is explained than reading an article.


The correct audio will make the entire package relatable and relevant to the learners. Audio makes the content more believable. If the IMM can establish relevance, then it can be better retained. But hold on, the quality of the audio is equally important. It should be undistorted and clear so that it doesn’t act as a distraction to the learner.


Let us see a few examples

The first video is for ITI students, and the second video is for the third standard students. Did you notice the difference in the audios! It is according to the learners.

Learner analysis helps us understand the learner, which
eventually helps the audio production team. If the interactive multimedia is for learners of smaller age group, say, 6-9 years, then it is really important that the audio is age appropriate so that the tiny toddlers can find it interesting enough to give and sustain their attention. The voice over of kids of similar age makes the audio age appropriate. They will surely not be interested in conversations of adults. Age appropriateness of audio is not only important for kids but for all other learners of different age groups, it makes the content all the more relatable.

At the same time, for Indian learners, the audio cannot be recorded from Americans; there is a huge difference in the accent and dialect that will also be a distraction. It will reduce the quick understandability of the content. The learner may have to replay the content, again and again, that can cause irritability.

3.1 Content: Specific Objectives

Specific Objectives

The first step involved in developing IMM is to specify the learning/ terminal objectives.
They give an idea to the learners about what they are going to learn from that specific package.

These objectives help in preparing assessment tools. Also clearly defined learning objectives ensures reliable learning results.

3.2: Content in small chunks

Content in small chunks

To ensure the mastery over the content, the whole content is divided into small chunks.

The chunks have a definite sequence based on the maxims of learning. This step by step approach ensures the complete comprehension of that specific topic before moving to the next topic. 

The sequencing of the chunking enhances the conceptualization as well as comprehension of the whole topic. 

As you can see in the images given, each interactivity is based on a small chunk of the content of a simple sentence- a major topic. 

Placement of navigation buttons.

Interactive Multimedia packages play an important role in learning. Learning packages can benefit many learners across the country. Its investment is a bit high, but the fruitful results are worth it. Thus educators should invest in IMM packages.

Interactivities in IMM packages help learners to be active. They also enhance their cognitive skills and encourages them to think critically. Feedbacks and other rewards result in motivating the learners.

One of the features of the IMM package is the placement of the navigation buttons. Placements of navigation buttons in IMM packages are arranged according to the pedagogical needs of the learners.

If the IMM package is for an adult the Exit button is placed at right hand extreme top side. This gives the adult freedom of learning. Whereas, in the case of young learners, the Exit button is given at the bottom.

For adults, the home button is placed at the center or top left corner for easy access to the home page/content outline page, while for young learners it is placed at the bottom left corner so they don't often go to the home page and complete all the activities.

The navigation button is placed at the bottom right or top right in adult IMM packages as they can proceed or go back easily, whereas it is placed in the center in case of young learners.

In IMM package for adults, there is an addition of the volume button. If the adult learner doesn't which to hear the voiceover, he can mute it. But in the case of young learners, they are encouraged auditory and visual learning thus volume button is not added in IMM packages of young learners.

Immediate Feedback

Immediate Feedback is one of the important features of IMM. Proper feedback is very essential in any learning process. In IMM Learners get immediate feedback for the interactivity they have solved. This feature allow Learners to revise the learned topic again. Instead of feedback such as "Wrong answer", encouraging feedback is provided such as "Better luck next time". Sometimes, advanced functions are enabled; hence, if a learner wants to put an incorrect answer in a space it will not accept or not fill in the space.

Corrective and Immediate feedback can definitely help learners to learn in a better way with better understanding.

Hello future eLearning experts at the Department of Educational Technology!

Here is a problem question raised for you!

Do you think Interactive Multimedia has any role in learning?  Should education sector spend on such Interactive Multimedia? What is so special about IMM? If you feel IMM features would contribute to effective learning, may go ahead and present your views with the help of IMM features. You may promote a feature of IMM which appeals you.... Substantiate your selected feature with the help of illustrations from IMMs developed by the department. 

Your task starts here....