Edutainment

I found something today that I have never come across before..

The term is, 'Edutainment'.

I thought it relevant to instructional design because they are similar. To explain, instructional design uses forms of multimedia to convey knowledge whilst edutainment IS a form multimedia that conveys knowledge. That is, it instructs its audience by integrating lessons in a form of entertainment.

As I have read, edutainments' main purpose is to change a students behavior. Many also believe that it is a basis for teaching in a more effective and efficient manner.

Hmm, interesting stuff aye? haha (perhaps not?).
Anyway, this highlights another thought I had whilst writing this post...

SO...

Is learning purely or can only be recognised, by a change in behaviour???

The reason I ask this is because, how does a teacher gauge the level of knowledge and understanding if for instance, the learning is purely multimedia based?
For instance, if the teacher is using audio and pictures to convey meaning, how does he/she know that that meaning is being absorbed?

I suppose the answer would be to have the student create something using multimedia that shows that he/she has understood..or perhaps instructional design/multimedia based learning needs to include that 'human touch' as well? eg. face to face learning/discussion.

Meh.I dont know. You tell me..

What is Instructional Design for Multimedia

So, after that nonsense introduction and following in Ted Clark's footsteps..
what exactly IS instructional Design for Multimedia??

I have posted up my definition (although slightly edited) from the LMS. It is as follows:

"Instructional Design is the way in which learning is improved through planned instruction. For example, by analysing learning needs. It is about using technology/multimedia as tools to enhance the instruction."

I will also add some other definitions that I liked, of instructional design from the LMS.

1. Simone: "It promotes a more 'rounding' way to be involved hence, using multiple senses to enhace learning".
2. Christopher: "Instructional design is how we present ideas and course content to learners in order to make it logical, interesting and meaningful".
3. Naomi: "Systems design that embraces all aspects of learning from analysis, planning, design and implementation. The design will include different methods to cater for all learning styles and should assess/confirm the learning, ideally offering reference material as well".

SO..

Can you say that Instructional Design for multimedia is a holistic way of learning? (as taken from Simones interpretation) Meaning that it focuses on the three domains of affective, psychomotor and cognitive?

Or perhaps it lends itself more to the VAK - visual, audio, kinesthetic - theory of learning? If it caters for all learning styles.

Let me know what you think!