International Journal of
Information and Education Technology

Abstract

Multimedia explanations include videos, quizzes, worksheets and animations. During the academic year of 2011/12, a study was conducted at SCC College, NY, US, which demonstrates a positive association between use of multimedia explanations in an open eLearning environment and student success. Computer based visual explanations were developed using online authoring sites and editing software, and published by subject in designated areas of Virtual Learning Commons (VLC), which also provided students with social networking tools. The faculty were creating and discussing their multimedia explanations in a collaborative online environment. Original analytics were written in Java Server Pages and XML programming languages in order to keep confidential statistics on student use. Analysis based on student outcomes has yielded a positive association between use of the VLC and student success. Surveys and data-tracking has enabled the Title III project office to find out what types of multimedia explanations appeal best to students.