Title: The use of multimedia and its effectiveness in learning situations

Authors: Jari Mustajarvi

Addresses: Hame Polytechnic, Faculty of Technology, Wahreninkatu 11, FIN-30100, Forssa, Finland

Abstract: The spread of multimedia has become possible through the increase in the efficiency and capacity of modern computers. There are great expectations towards the use of new technology especially in the field of adult education. It is believed to make learning more effective, flexible and of higher quality than the traditional methods. In this article we will discuss the use of multimedia in adult education and present the findings of an empirical study, which was carried out among adult students in the Netherlands, Finland and Ireland. The study concentrated on the personal characters of the learners, the practical arrangements of the study environments and their connection to the effectiveness of learning. The aim was to reach conclusions about the applicability of multimedia in different learning situations and for different kinds of learners.

Keywords: effectiveness of learning; adult education; multimedia; new learning technology; open and distance learning; knowledge accessing styles; self-directed learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2000.000348

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2000 Vol.10 No.1/2/3/4, pp.36-46

Published online: 16 Jul 2003 *

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