THE EFFECTS OF MULTIMEDIA LEARNING MATERIAL ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS SCIENCE COURSES

One of the teaching technologies included in the learning-teaching process is a series of multimedia applications developed due to advances in information technologies and cognitive theories. Considering the technology available today, it is imperative that the educational system implement information technologies. The rapid growth of the internet highlights the importance of web-based learning environments and paves the way for educators to more greatly benefit from multimedia applications. Yui, Liu & Wai (2005) emphasize some of the most significant features of web-based learning environments, including less need for a multitude of devices; accessibility by anyone, anywhere, and anytime; independence of time and space limitations; and worldwide support for communication and cooperation. Multimedia teaching theory was developed on the basis of theories such as dual coding, limited capacity, and active processing. According to this theory, learning is enhanced when words and pictures are used together (Mayer, 2005). The results obtained in studies which focus on the use of multimedia materials support this thesis. For instance, Tasci & Soran (2008) examined the effects of multimedia applications on learning at the level of comprehension and implementation in cell division unit in science classes and discovered that the experimental group taught with multimedia applications achieved more compared to the group taught with traditional methods. In the study, undertaken with university students, Su (2008) investigated the effects of multimedia applications on science performance with the help of educational software. The results revealed that the use of multimedia applications contributed to student learning and positively affected their attitudes towards science. In their study with 8th graders, Ardac & Akaygun (2004) found that students who were taught science with multimedia materials were more successful compared to students who were taught with traditional methods. tHe eFFeCts oF mULtImeDIA LeARnInG mAteRIAL on stUDents’ ACADemIC ACHIeVement AnD AttItUDes towARDs sCIenCe CoURses