This paper examines the role of multimedia communication in online learning environments. It identifies communication barriers unique to distance education—such as lack of nonverbal cues and student distractions—and traces the evolution from text-based mediums (email, message boards) to interactive technologies (video streaming, virtual classrooms). The paper argues that multimedia tools enable richer interaction comparable to face-to-face communication, supporting better listening skills and personalized engagement. It emphasizes that integrating effective multimedia communication strategies into course design and instruction is essential for recruiting, engaging, and retaining online students.
Online learning provides a new medium for students to acquire knowledge and skills in a way that is convenient, scalable, and effective. However, many challenges have been identified that can present barriers to learning not found in traditional classrooms. Communication can be one of these barriers. Many students who are working or have families can find that distractions make it difficult to communicate with peers or instructors. In a traditional classroom setting, students must be physically present and can devote their full attention to the content, which may not be possible in other environments such as the home.
Communication mediums are an area that has been steadily improving. The infrastructure for communication was initially limited to emails and message board posts. These mediums do not provide interactive opportunities and can make it difficult to pick up on nonverbal cues and meanings. However, humans often try to express themselves nonverbally because of its importance—which is why many people use emoticons. Emoticons illustrate the importance of nonverbal communication because they develop from the natural tendency to try to communicate meaning nonverbally.
As technology has continued to develop, more communication options have become available. The emerging multimedia opportunities can add a new dimension to the curriculum and offer students new platforms for communication that allow them to engage with the subject and with each other in new ways. When cost or convenience is not an option, face-to-face communication remains the most effective way to communicate with another individual. However, video streaming technologies are beginning to offer many of the advantages found in face-to-face meetings.
A virtual meeting through video chat offers real-time interactions that take place online and can integrate audio and video, chat tools, and even application sharing. A virtual classroom is a medium of communication that allows participants to pick up on some of the nonverbal communication cues that were not available in previous technologies. Therefore, communication through these mediums can make it easier to engage others in the class and help students stay focused on learning.
Effective communication enables classroom members to understand each other and avoid conflicts. Furthermore, communication can succeed only if the parties involved are skilled at listening. Good listening skills are vital, and being able to communicate via a multimedia experience as opposed to emails can make this process more effective. Personalized communication is critical to recruitment, engagement, and retention of online students. One study by Drexel University indicated that the more personalized the online educational environment is for students, the more likely students will be engaged throughout their courses and stay connected as alumni (Betts, 2012).
To make the most effective use of communication in this environment, it is necessary to understand the importance of integrating effective communication strategies into online program development, course design, and instruction. By doing so, institutions can better engage, connect, and retain students through the use of developing multimedia technologies.
"Integration into course design for retention"
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