This week, we looked at multimedia learning theory, including the SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition) Model. I found this model to be a very interesting framework for analyzing the ways that technology can serve functions in our classroom (or virtual classroom) settings. I particularly liked seeing these four components as a spectrum rather than a hierarchy: at first glance, for example, substitution may seem inferior to augmentation, but under the right circumstances it can be tremendously useful. For example, there may be a particular medium that is inaccessible for certain learners for whom other media, though not inherently functionally superior, may be far more effective.
We also learned a little about video and audio editing. This is something that I have a fair amount of background in, from making a student film in 2002 that was shown at the Capital 6 theatre as part of the Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival, to helping with artist friends’ video projects today, I have enjoyed this type of task immensely and developed a great appreciation for how much the widely available technology has improved over the past few decades. I look forward to making use of this technology, and my experience with it, in my future pedagogy and lesson preparation.