What's All the Hype?

Classrooms are multimedia worlds, full of complex images, movement, and sound. The media we use to communicate information to students could be still picture cards, CD recordings, video clips, power points, or text to name a few. According to Roblyer (2006), hypermedia refers to linked media or interactive media that are stored in different places but are logically connected with hypertext links. Hypermedia systems come in a variety of storage devices: IVDs (interactive video discs), CD-ROMS (compact disc-read-only memory), DVDs (digital versatile discs), and other technologies. There are even Internet multimedia formats available. Roblyer (2006) gives the example of searching the word "apple" and getting all sorts of logically related links from Johnny Appleseed to the Garden of Eden. Hypermedia offers students "multiple channels through which to process information" (Roblyer, 2006, p. 188).

Reflection:
When we allow our students to get online, we have to be careful that their searches are kid-friendly. A simple search for "bunny" may end up in nudity at the Playboy Mansion. I want my students to gain confidence in using the internet because it really does save time in the classroom. The reliance on hypertext and hypermedia to communicate information seems to get greater each school year. I see a need to incorporate more computer based technology into my classroom. When I come to a close of another school year, I have all these great ideas about what multimedia or hypermedia products I want to use next year. Yet, I still feel a little behind times. I need to solve this problem by taking multiple perspectives and adopt an experimental and problem-solving orientation to educational issues in technology. Can't never could. It's time I become a leader in instructional technology so I can teach my students how to use all the wonderful hypermedia products. It's hard to believe that elementary students know how to develop hypermedia products and some teachers do not.

Do you use hypermedia products in your classroom?

Roblyer, M. (2006). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.