Using Multimedia with Kindergarten to Increase Homework Participation.

This study stemmed from a concern that homework instruction, verbal and print oriented, did not reflect a 21st century learning strategy for kindergarten students due to their reading levels and their abilities to consistently follow written instructions to complete tasks. The study examined 18 kindergarten students' perceptions of using multimedia, video and screen capture, as a medium for homework instruction and activities. The study guided by the constructivist teaching approach, described how multimedia was used as a motivational tool to engage students in literacy instruction and knowledge construction. Findings show that use of multimedia motivated and engaged students in learning both in school and at home. Students stated that multimedia activities were fun. Mean scores from pre-survey to post-survey show positive dispositions to the integration of multimedia in the class and homework activities. Findings also show that multimedia helped students create knowledge and work as a team. A by-product of this study was increased parental involvement in students' learning. Parental supervision was required for students to play DVDs or to access online files at home. This request turned out to be a positive outcome of the study.