The Role of Media in Learning

a. Graphics Media Graphic media is used to deliver message or information by using symbols, numbers, or texts. Graphic media emphasizes on people’s sight in processing the information. It strengthens visual messages in attracting people’s attention, and also simplifies the intended message. Literally, visual element is something that can be seen by people, and give a meaningful point to teaching. 10 It means the use of visual element for teaching gives a very similar description about the object is being learnt; and it surely helps students process the information. In teaching and learning process, normally, the students will be enthusiastic about the visual material. It can be interesting pictures or eye-catching poster that helps students remember the information. There are some media which can be identified as graphics media. • Pictures Photos This one of graphic media is commonly used in teaching because of its advantage. Pictures or photos are easy to bring to the class and relatively cheap. Teachers can use this kind of graphic media repeatedly. By showing pictures or photos, students can visualize the real object because this media gives very alike visualization. • Sketch According to Cambridge Dictionary, sketch is a simple, quickly-made drawing which does not have many details. If teachers cannot provide picture or photo for showing the object; they may draw it which is possibly can describe the intended object. Unfortunately, to use this media, teachers are expected to be able to draw the object, and it is quite difficult to be applied for complex object. 10 S. Pit Corder, The Visual Element in Language Teaching, London: Longman, 1976, p. 32. • Diagram Chart This kind of media is really suitable for explaining symbols, numbers, and conditions which are difficult to be explained through writing or speaking. • Poster Poster basically includes picture and inscription in its use. It is usually made to attract people’s attention and to enhance people’s motivation by showing interesting picture, persuasively clear-brief writing, and sparkling color. In summary, those all kinds of graphics media have some benefits in teaching, for instance, they can attract students’ attention by colorful and interesting pictures. The use of graphics media more focuses on stimulating visual ability, so it is good for students who are visual learners. Then, graphics media also simplifies teacher’s explanation because it does not use much text; and then it is practical in use. b. Audio Different from graphics media, this kind of media is helpful for auditory students. The use of this media only manipulates the sounds, such as music or even teachers’ voice to stimulate sense of hearing. Teachers use audio as a learning media should rely on the ability of such a thing to produce sounds. The examples of audio are radio, tape recorder, etc. In fact, the use of radio or tape recorder in teaching may not be practical because it needs other aids to support it; and sometimes the broadcast is not appropriate to the material. c. Multimedia Fundamentally, multimedia involves the use of any other media, namely visual and audio which are connected to computers. Multimedia is a mean of connecting some equipment to computer with the purpose to present such information interactively. 11 Referring to the literal meaning, multimedia means having more than one media, so multimedia combines the advantage of each kind of media, visual, 11 Adrianne L. Hernel, 50 Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners, Boston: Pearson, 2012, 4 th Edition, p. 276. audio, and audiovisual to produce much more interesting presentation. Multimedia supposedly means the process and presentation of information in two or more media involving high technology. Similar to the previous meaning of multimedia, Cohen said that “multimedia can also be defined as a mean of accessing, storing, sharing, processing, editing, selecting, presenting, and communicating information through a variety of media.” 12 According to the above definition, multimedia has totally functioned the use of computer system. In this modern era, the complex system of multimedia may not be a barrier for people or especially teachers to utilize it. Another definition from Shelly explained that “multimedia is as those technologies that allow user to create new forms of interaction, expression, communication, and entertainment in a digital format.” 13 Based on those definitions, multimedia lets teachers be more active in designing their presentation. By using the combination of texts, colors, graphics, animations, and audios, teachers can strengthen their performance because the program combines the benefit of each kind of learning media. The use of multimedia is actually proposed to optimize the presentation by showing the fascinating explanation to the audience; it also helps teachers teach either visual, auditory, and kinetic students. To sum up, this kind of technological media can support teaching and learning process; teachers as the main actor in the class may design an attractive process for students. Students are motivated to learn because of an impressive teachers’ presentation. Therefore, learning from that interactive technology can be more efficient, and students may achieve a better mastery than only remember the material. On the contrary, teachers should notice the creativity of using the technology, for it can be out of focus of the learning objective. 12 Louis Cohen, A Guide to Teaching Practice, London: Routledge Falmer, 2006, 5 th Edition, p. 60. 13 Gary B. Shelly, et al., Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom, Boston: Course Technology, 2010, 6 th Edition, p. 6.