A multimedia learning environment for information theory

Abstract

Achieving significant learning goals in computer science and engineering courses require practical interaction between course instructor and students, and also within class members through multimedia learning environment. This is because multimedia learning becomes the major pedagogical approach as a result of high advancement and usage of digital technology and virtual communication, especially by the modern day students. Multimedia learning environment is a new and promising research area that is geared towards motivating students to fully concentrate during the learning process. This paper presents a case study of multimedia environment for teaching and learning of information theory and its associated courses. The system integrates, in the form of multimedia, different modules that can deal with students' individual differences and various learning styles. There are modules that are designed in a movie-like structure, and an introductory module that displays an animated hypertext that fully gives the fundamental concept of information theory. Furthermore, there are other modules like self-assessment module for testing and examining the performance of the learner. The result of the experiments conducted using this learning environment to test the effectiveness of the system is presented to ensure improvement in students' performance in the classroom and also their motivation toward learning the course.