Pros and Cons of Using Multimedia in the Classroom Essay Example

devices need to be able to handle the processing demands of the multimedia, and the school's network, if using web- based multimedia, needs to be able to handle the bandwidth demands. Unfortunately, many schools struggle to keep computers up to date and in good repair and do not have Internet capabilities that can keep up heavy multimedia demands or computer labs with enough machines to provide one for each student in class.

Another problem is the digital divide, or gaps in technology access, since not all students have easy access to the web or to computers that can run multimedia. Another major disadvantage is lack of professional development for teachers. Effectively using multimedia to enhance or provide lessons requires understanding how multimedia, and technology in general, supports learning. Teachers also need time to analyze how individual multimedia presentations work so they can better edify the instruction for specific learning needs.

Multimedia provides an interactive way for students to participate in a lesson. The lesson can be accessed both in and out of school and can be modified for individual learning needs. However, this depends on having technology available to support the multimedia project's processing and bandwidth needs at school, students' able to access it after school when necessary, and teachers' understanding how to use it to enhance learning and truculent.