The document discusses how the learner used multimedia tools like podcasts and screencasts to learn about criminal justice for a class project. Podcasts from UC Berkeley professors provided easy access to information on unknown topics. Screencasts allowed pausing and rewinding to process information at their own pace. Multimedia learning worked best for the learner due to their visual and reflective learning preferences - visuals helped with memorization, while screencasts supported reflecting on information. The learner was surprised by how engaging screencasts were and plans to continue using podcasts and screencasts for learning due to their control over information receipt.

1. Multimedia/Interactive Learning - podcasts, screencasts, multimedia
For my English class we were able to pick our own subject that we would like write
about weekly. I chose criminal justice. I was only aware of cases that were publicized
throughout the media and I soon ran out of things to write about. I used podcasts to broaden my
horizons, even though I did not specifically subscribe to any, it was an easy way for me to gain
information on an unknown subject. A lot of the podcasts I listened to came from professors at
UC Berkeley, all I had to do was search the subject “criminal justice”. It was effective because I
was able to pause it at any given time and take note of what I wanted to write about. This would
be best for those who have a verbal learning preference; it is easy access to find exactly what
they need and allows comprehension at their own pace.
I was able to gain knowledge with screencasts because I was able to go back to a specific
part of a screencast as much as I needed to. Just like podcasts, when listening to an online
lecture I paused and pressed rewind just so I could process information. It was an easier way to
learn because sometimes listening to things I get sidetracked and drift off, so this way I did not
miss much at all. I was also able to stop lectures and look up something that I did not understand
and then return to the lecture. This method would be best for those with a reflective preference.
. It allows them to “think it through first" with note taking and other study methods.
In my opinion, multimedia is one of the easiest ways to learn. I have used this method of
learning for quite a while. The only downfall would be the lack of detail, especially on power
points. If lack of detail is the problem I would use a book that consists of images, they tend to go
into depth about a subject. Having things explained and a visual are totally different.
Visualsthat were labeled were easier to memorize. The visuals would reappear in my mind when
taking tests. Multimedia would be best for visual learners. It allows a picture to connect to text
since they “remember best what they see”.
I would have to say that the podcasts interested me the most as far as learning tools.
They were so easily accessible and contained a lot of information. I did not have to sit there and
read a boring book all night. What surprised me the most was the use of screencasts. It was my
first time using them in both of my online classes. I did not think I would actually pay attention
and gain information from them. All of the technologies in the multimedia learning were pretty
useful as learning tools. I would like to further explore podcasts. I always heard of them before,
but I never put them to use, so I think it would be very effective in the future.
Multimedia worked best for my visual preference. In a lot of my difficult classes it was
hard to understand the material but once I actually went into the book to study graphs and the
visuals listed I had a better understanding. The screencasts helped with my sequential and
reflective preference. As far as being sequential I was able to fill my steps in by “consulting
references” and referring to the screencasts. It was an easier way to reflect what I learned. Once

2. I heard information, I was able to stop and think about what I just heard. Afterwards, I was able
to put it into my own words or look it up further if I did not understand it.
I will continue to use the strategies that work best for reflective learners. I do not often
pay attention in class because I cannot always process the new information. I want to “try to
compensate for that lack when I study”. I am not too good at studying either, I expect to
remember everything once I read it and I know that it is not helping, so I will take it part by part
analyzing each piece of information. This can be applied to a job when I am given a difficult
task. Instead of just trying to push through and get it over with I can effectively analyze each
step I am taking.
I will continue to use podcasts, screencasts, and multimedia for learning after this class. I
will use podcasts because it was a new discovery of information that is sometimes not listed
anywhere else. I will use screencasts because this was my first time using them and I really liked
how I had the power to control the information I was receiving. I will continue to use
multimedia to learn because it is sort of required in school; it is already a big part of school,
starting in elementary. I can use podcasts to learn more about a company I am applying for. I
can use screencasts when learning how to build and prepare for a job. I can use multimedia to
learn about jobs also, through the web and newspapers. I will probably only use multimedia for
non-learning purposes, such as exploring the web and reading entertainment books. I will not
avoid any technologies.