Use of audio visuals aids in teaching and learning……..Sesame Street!!
A key component of society is education, and achieving universal access to knowledge is a top priority. On the other hand, learning is not an easy task, and teaching is a demanding career. As such, it is impossible to overestimate the crucial function that instructional aids play in the educational system. These tools actively engage students through a variety of engaging techniques, in addition to facilitating learning. Teaching aids are vital for bridging the gap between teachers and students since they are essentially instruments that facilitate comprehension. A wide range of audio-visual resources are easily available in the modern world, from learning environments for adults to early childhood education. These resources are now required in schools rather than just being optional. Their importance stems from their capacity to not only facilitate efficient learning but additionally help students retain information, which facilitates their ability to focus during class. In the current educational context, audio-visual elements are an essential component that greatly improve student learning. The increasing popularity of audio-visual aids in education can be ascribed to their efficaciousness. With rapid access, students may now quickly share their knowledge with others. Additionally, students are able to understand ideas and concepts more quickly. A plethora of audio-visual aids, including flip charts, music clips, videos, slideshow presentations, and overhead transparencies, have become indispensable tools in a variety of learning environments, from early childhood education to adult education, in the modern educational landscape. These tools have been crucial in helping kids focus, which has improved their ability to take in and remember information. With the extensive use of audiovisual technology and communication dynamics, teachers can now take use of these developments in the classroom to improve teacher-student collaboration.
Individuals exhibit diverse methods of processing, assimilating, and retaining information. Aural learners, for instance, comprehend information more effectively through auditory means rather than reading. On the other hand, visual learners prefer absorbing information through visual presentations. By incorporating audiovisual aids in their teaching methods, educators can cater to at least two distinct learning styles. Furthermore, a study conducted by Udomon, Xiong, Berns, Best, and Vike in 2013 explored the impact of visual and auditory stimuli on memory retention and recall, revealing that utilizing multiple senses enhances the ability to remember and recall information. The combination of audio and visual formats during information delivery increases the likelihood of information being retained. These tools not only enhance student engagement with the material but also serve as motivational tools for studying, enabling a more in-depth and detailed communication of information.
Postman articulated, “We now know that ‘Sesame Street’ encourages children to love school only if school is like ‘Sesame Street.’ Which is to say, we now know that ‘Sesame Street’ undermines what the traditional idea of schooling represents.” In a blog post, let’s delve into the implications of this statement, specifically focusing on how Sesame Street challenges the conventional notion of schooling. What is Postman conveying here, and how can we extrapolate this concept to encompass the broader impact of audiovisual (AV) technologies in educational settings? This includes tracing the evolution from early AV technologies to the contemporary culture of smartphones, the advocacy for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and the integration of smartphones within classrooms. How do AV technologies affect the way that education is structured, given the wide range of products that include film projectors, applications, interactive learning programmes, and personalized learning resources such as Crash Course, Khan Academy, and YouTube? What wider effects might this have on the way that education is delivered? Moreover, how do AV technologies alter our understanding of the learning environment? It’s critical to incorporate key ideas from the students’ presentation tonight as well as pertinent readings that the group has chosen. By linking these components, a thorough investigation of the ways that AV technologies—both historical and modern—affect and change the educational environment will be possible. Based to my understanding of Neil Postman’s phrase, educators should make a constant effort to “entertain” our students and learners. As was previously mentioned, I agree that there are possible advantages to audiovisual (AV) technology, but I also think that there are potential drawbacks for educators. In contrast to the traditional educational method, which places an emphasis on structure, discipline, and focus, programmes like Sesame Street portray education and schooling as continuously interesting, enjoyable, and interactive. Students who come to school expecting that every learning experience will be fun may find this troublesome. The truth is that not all learning is enjoyable by nature. In terms of my schooling, I found certain things enjoyable and some things uninteresting, which reflects the larger reality of life and labor involve a combination of interesting and uninteresting events.
During my school years, I had often attend computer classes once or twice a week to acquire computer lessons in a classroom setting. Blackboards were only used for visual aids, and textbooks were to be the only source of knowledge. But after I started teaching, I understood that even in a packed classroom, an audio-visual aid may be a useful tool for spreading knowledge. A teacher who is not well-prepared cannot lead the class effectively without this technological tool. If educators make use of audio-visual aids in the classroom, like projectors, students’ interest and creativity will be piqued. Teachers frequently use highly charged abstract verbalisms in their education, which can occasionally appear pointless. Therefore, instruction should be in a straightforward and clear and concise way. As a result, using audiovisual aids in the classroom will promote understanding, learning via observation, and learning as enjoyment rather than a chore. Instructors need to be aware of what content is pertinent and what is not, especially in terms of how using audiovisual aids might help students understand the lesson being taught.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw_FLNCTHCg&t=2s
It has become apparent to us that the best instruments for improving instruction and guaranteeing the best possible information transfer are audio-visual aids. These tools come in many forms, such as radios, movies, tape recorders, projector techniques, and more. It’s crucial to recognize that there can be drawbacks to this cutting-edge technological approach, especially in public institutions. Adopting this strategy is challenging for all schools due to various factors such insufficient money, insufficient classroom infrastructure, and basic services like water and toilets. While wealthy schools can afford and benefit fully from audio-visual resources, government schools may find it difficult to introduce these resources, and even if they are, teachers may find that they are not used to their full potential.
Until next post ……………….
Suruchi, your insightful post brilliantly captures the transformative impact of audiovisual aids in education, with a focus on the iconic Sesame Street. The evolution from traditional teaching methods to the contemporary embrace of audiovisual technologies is evident, showcasing their efficacy in engaging students across diverse learning styles. Your emphasis on the significance of instructional aids as instruments for comprehension is well-founded, underscoring their indispensable role in bridging the gap between educators and learners.
The inclusion of Neil Postman’s perspective adds a thought-provoking layer to your discussion, prompting a deeper exploration of how Sesame Street challenges conventional notions of schooling. Your extrapolation of this concept to encompass broader AV technologies, from film projectors to modern educational platforms like Khan Academy, provides a comprehensive view of their impact on educational structures.
Your personal reflection on the shift from traditional classrooms to the use of audiovisual aids in teaching adds a valuable perspective. The acknowledgment of potential drawbacks, especially in maintaining a balance between entertainment and the inherent challenges of learning, demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the educational landscape.
Thanks Navneet for your valuable comments.
Hi Suruchi,
I am really impressed with your blog. Thank you for sharing your insights on the importance of audio-visual aids in education. Your experiences highlight the transformative potential of technology in enhancing teaching and learning experiences. It’s crucial for educators to adapt to modern tools to engage students effectively while being mindful of potential challenges in implementation. Keep up the great work!
Suruchi thanks for sharing your views which have been aptly presented about the significance of audio-visual aids in modern education. It very well recognizes how these tools contribute to improved learning outcomes by facilitating comprehension and retention of information. Additionally, the emphasis on leveraging technology for enhanced teacher-student collaboration , Knowledge retention and peer collaboration in the contemporary classroom. Overall, it’s a well-articulated argument for the indispensable role of audio-visual aids in enriching the teaching and learning experience.