Multimedia-Focused Problems

Definition: Multimedia-focused problems where information necessary for solving the problem is contained in the multimedia.

In the following example, a Java applet is used to animate projectile motion. Certain variables must be calculated from the position and time data shown in the animation in order to solve the problem.

Question: What is the ball's minimum speed?

Which version give just enough information?

• Start  version 1

• Start  version 2

• Start  version 3

• Start  version 4

Why are multimedia-focused problems potentially helpful?

• Students must think conceptually before mathematically.
• Students must decide what data is needed in order to solve a problem.
• Typical novice approaches are absolutely ineffective.
• Solving multimedia-focused problems may help students adopt more expert-like approaches.
• Problems are nearer to "real-world" problems than traditional problems.

Why are multimedia-focused problems potentially NOT helpful?

• Students can become frustrated.
• Multimedia-focused problems are not sufficient in and of themselves to help students develop "expert-like" problem solving skills.
• Students may still use novice problem solving approaches even though they are ineffective.