Disadvantages in using multimedia

[Ray]

I am loking for some disadvantages in using multimedia in schools. I would like to know if you have any ideas

[JPnyc]

I can only think of one possible disadvantage, and that is it could further contribute to an already existing problem, the inability of many students to read and write their language. Other than that, I would think it's an excellent means of reaching students.

[calista]

Originally Posted by Ray

I am loking for some disadvantages in using multimedia in schools. I would like to know if you have any ideas

The main disadvantage of multimedia is the lack of interaction with the live instructor.
File size and transfer speed are other common limiting factors when designing multimedia Internet based instructions.

[ua549]

The question is really too broad to address because it needs a more narrowly defined context. But here is my take as one who has written and taught basic and technical courses for vocational, collegiate and professional level students.

Multimedia is an excellent educational tool in the K-12 environment. It is not a replacement for other tools, but an improvement over previous multimedia technologies that have been in the schools since the 16mm movie projector.

There really are no disadvantages to using multimedia in schools. Should classes consist entirely of multimedia? No, not at the K-12 level. Students need more interaction with teachers, not less. That said, multimedia is like any other teaching tool. Used correctly it is an excellent learning tool.

[REByers]

Having knowledge of this from the other side of the fence (IT Techs) via my brother who works in UK education IT the main draw backs of multimedia are:

1) Copyright - teachers seem to have a happy habit of forgetting IP ownership exists, thereby putting their establishments in an unhappy legal place

2) Lazyness - Multimedia can be badly used to dress up a poorly thoughtout and content poor lesson.

3) Backup plan - very rarely to educators have an alternate lesson plan should the IT go belly up!!

4) Death by powerpoint - we've all suffered

Having said all that, a properly constructed and structured multimedia lesson will far outstrip an average traditional blackboard lesson.

[JPnyc]

Another potential drawback is man-hours required to not only create, but to update such a lesson. We all know how long the IT field stays static. It's roughly half the amount of time that former President W. goes without mispronouncing some word.