So...what is multimedia again?

I confess, at first I was not sure what was meant by multimedia in this setting.  So I looked it up and found this website that briefly describes multimedia and use of it in the classroom.  According to what that site had to say, multimedia was more than just videos and slideshows, and they described the students using it to create projects that would help solidify a concept in their minds.

What are the benefits of using multimedia in the classroom?  Are there any drawbacks/problems with using multimedia?  What are some specific ways you might use multimedia in your classroom?

The benefits of using multimedia in the classroom include captivating the students’ attention and interest.  Also, it can enable the students to take part in creating something (and, as we have learned, creation is the highest level of Blooms Taxonomy).  It encourages teamwork, enabling students to help each other with their stronger abilities in technology, creativity, etc.

Some drawbacks (and I am borrowing some from this site, too) include technology shortages in the classroom (what if you only have one classroom computer?), and the time it takes to prepare and grade assignments.  But I personally think that it is a drawback that we are conditioning our kids to want to only learn from computers or television or some form of multimedia.  I think that learning and getting enjoyment from reading books is becoming a more and more rare thing, and I think that is very sad.