The Effectiveness of Multimedia in Mathematics Education: A Reflection

This reflective essay explores the impact of multimedia and technology, including computer games and videos, on a student's mathematics learning experience. The student reflects on how these tools have enhanced their understanding, engagement, and problem-solving abilities in mathematics. The essay highlights the benefits of multimedia, such as increased motivation, improved concentration, and the ability to learn from mistakes in a user-friendly environment. The student also acknowledges the importance of teacher guidance and feedback, while addressing potential challenges like addiction and the need for a supportive learning environment. The paper concludes by emphasizing the significant role of multimedia and games in making mathematics more accessible and enjoyable for students, ultimately leading to improved academic performance and a deeper interest in the subject. The student also provides a list of references including journals and books.

Reflection paper

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................4
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................4
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................6
REFERENCES...............................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Education is an important part of any human being’s life and it is necessary to
provide the right education to children so that they are able to grow and develop in a
proper manner (What is the Importance of education in our Life, 2018). It helps them to
increase their knowledge as well. This reflective paper will provide an insight from an
individual’s perspective of how computer games and other multimedia devices can
aid in learning mathematics.
REFLECTION
Education is essential as it helps in giving children and adults the required knowledge
to succeed in life. Especially in the area of mathematics, children need to be given the
right (Wu and Tai, 2016). I have learned that children of this generation have the
benefit of learning new things through different forms of teaching. The latest
innovations have helped in creating games and videos that allow teachers to gain a
new perspective by allowing students to get more involved. As a learner, I am also
able to understand more effectively due to these methods. I think that it is important
that educational institutes make more unique types of games and other activities so
that their students can be motivated and they are able to enhance their skills as well as
improve knowledge. I feel that this virtual world has given many opportunities that
allow students to learn even after making mistakes. This method provides a user-
friendly environment that promotes problem solving while making it less boring.
I am able to give my full attention as these games and multimedia forms of
studying have been designed in such a way that I can understand the topic that is
being taught. Even if there is some confusion, I can easily re watch videos or play the
games again till I get it right. I have successfully met the goals that have been created
for achieving educational objectives. There has been an overall growth in my skills
and learning capabilities. I have been able to develop myself so that I can contribute
towards the society and make myself a better learner as well. I can take
responsibilities that involve daily activities due to proper understanding of
mathematics that can be implemented in real life. I have also developed confidence
because I regularly practice and learn from mistakes that I make. Overall,

mathematical games help in rectifying and learning so that there can be minimum
errors.
Basic education includes mathematics as it helps students in applying formulas
and calculations in real life situations that can occur in the future (Semali, 2017).
Technological and multimedia features have helped me in making improvements with
my problem solving capabilities. This is because of the games of mathematical
problems that I have been playing and am enjoying as well. I have seen an increase in
my concentration, speed and learning ability as well. There has been many
improvements in my academics and I am able to score marks than I used to. These
games have motivated me to learn more about mathematics and videos about different
topics give me a better understanding of things that I find interesting. There are
however, some doubts that arise and for which, I have to go to my teacher to seek
further explanation. But the overall process of learning through such platforms has
been a fun and enjoyable experience.
Mathematics is a difficult but interesting subject and requires proper
stimulation so that it can be properly understood (Borba and et.al., 2016). I was not
interested in this topic during my initial years of education. But after the
implementation of multimedia and other such techniques of teaching, I have
developed a keen interest in mathematics. I have been motivated many times and
continue to do so due to the different variations that are provided within video games
and other technological based platforms. I have been able to explore different areas
and find the best place to use my potentials as a student. The high levels of
engagement have allowed me to gain new ideas and perspectives. Playing video
games requires focus and full engagement, which makes it an effective tool for
teaching students (Herbst and et.al., 2016). I have found that interaction is a necessity
while performing any task, as it allows you to give attention to the work that is being
done.
There is an increase in self-satisfaction when students are able to achieve their
goals and the use of multimedia for teaching has helped in attaining this (). I believe
that it is important to make oneself happy while learning and developing skills. It
builds confidence to learn more and gain knowledge about different things. I have
been able to increase my efficiency in calculations as well as significantly reduced
errors during the process. During the time period in which I played video games about
mathematics, I developed new skills. These have helped me in scoring good marks

during tests and exams. I believe that these methods are effective and can help weak
students in gaining the required knowledge in this field. They will find video games
and multimedia platforms very interesting. These students can score better and
improve their performance through this as well (Yung and Paas, F., 2015). Overall,
use of technology within the educational sector is important, as it is a good method of
teaching.
However, factors such as environment of teaching and student’s behavior
greatly influences multimedia techniques of education. Mathematics can easily bore
any student, if not taught correctly (Moeller and et.al., 2015). But I have a keen
interest in learning new things, which is why I was able to understand this subject
easily. I was provided a positive environment in which multimedia tools were used
and this inspired me to learn more about mathematics. The use of photographs, audio
and visual elements are effective as students get intrigued by such things. It gives
them a different perspective of the subject and makes them enjoy such sessions. I feel
that videos help in giving a clear understanding of meanings and formulas that are to
be used. Some challenges include addiction to multimedia and excessive usage by
students. I have seen some of my fellow students get addicted to this technique and
are unable to learn different subjects that are taught by teachers.
Some students did not get positively influenced by teachings done through
multimedia and videos. They feel that there are no goals that have been created and
teachers are not available to guide them when help in needed (Borba and et.al., 2016).
I think that teachers are important as well, because they can provide the required
guidance to students that require it. Hints and suggestions can significantly help
students to achieve their objectives as well as developing and improving themselves
in the field of mathematics. I think that this can be successful in the long run and both
teachers along with multimedia can help fellow students and myself in getting
motivated to learn new things. This will aid in increasing our knowledge and
confidence so that we are able to prosper in the future (Wu and Tai, 2016). I think that
feedbacks are required so that teachers can use proper methods of multimedia
techniques to teach students more effectively.

CONCLUSION
This assignment can conclude that multimedia and games can significantly
help children is learning mathematics or even other subjects. This method of teaching
makes children interested, as there are videos and games that have been designed an
appealing way. It has improved academic performance as well as motivated many
students.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Borba, M.C. and et.al., 2016. Blended learning, e-learning and mobile learning in
mathematics education. ZDM. 48(5). pp.589-610.
Herbst, P. and et.al., 2016. Technology-mediated mathematics teacher development:
Research on digital pedagogies of practice. In Handbook of research on
transforming mathematics teacher education in the digital age (pp. 78-106). IGI
Global.
Moeller, K. and et.al., 2015. Computers in mathematics education–Training the
mental number line. Computers in Human Behavior. 48. pp.597-607.
Semali, L.M., 2017. Literacy in multimedia America: Integrating media education
across the curriculum. Routledge.
Wu, T.J. and Tai, Y.N., 2016. Effects of Multimedia Information Technology
Integrated Multi-Sensory Instruction on Students' Learning Motivation and
Outcome. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education.
12(4). pp.1065-1074.
Yung, H.I. and Paas, F., 2015. Effects of computer-based visual representation on
mathematics learning and cognitive load.
Online
What is the Importance of education in our Life?. 2018. [Online]. Available through: <
https://medium.com/@Collegemela/what-is-the-importance-of-education-in-our-
life-d19a431733e6>