With the recent technological developments, an opportunity has emerged to introduce more efficient instruction into the classroom. The traditional blackboard approach is gradually giving way to more interaction between the instructor and students. Multimedia can be defined to be multiple forms of media (text, graphics, images, animation, audio and video) that work together. It is unparalleled in its ability to disseminate information quickly and accurately. Before the digital era, multimedia was delivered using one-way communication technologies such as books, magazines, radio and television. The invention of the personal computer and the Internet, however, has introduced interactivity and created an engaging learning environment. Literature on learning and technology contains evidence that multimedia has the potential to transform every aspect of academic endeavor from instruction and learning to research and dissemination of knowledge. In this paper, we will discuss why multimedia should be employed as the centerpiece for an emerging pattern of instruction. It can promote independent and cooperative learning, improve performance of low achievers and special student populations, while heightening interest in learning, writing and research.
