Rapid advances in technology have resulted in the creation and use of multimedia resources in teaching and learning. In health-related fields, multimedia seems to be a particularly useful tool for coping with new discoveries, advances in treatment options and to practice skills. The abundance of programs that are available poses a problem for trainers, educators, students, and other users when faced with a decision regarding the choice of appropriate multimedia product to suit their specific needs. Evaluation remains a key element for all stakeholders.

The need for assessing multimedia materials has resulted in the development of many evaluation tools, websites providing reviews of multimedia resources, and catalogues with details of resources and their reviews, among others. More recently, the use of standardized evaluation tools using checklist format has been critically reviewed. Some of the concerns include reliability, validity, and appropriateness of criteria and overall predictive power for evaluating instructional quality and efficacy of computer-based learning environments. Approaches using models and frameworks have been suggested instead.

In this investigation, the phenomenographic model was used to evaluate a CD-ROM for health professionals. Phenomenography is a qualitative research technique that emphasizes the discovery of meaning from the point of view of the studied group or individual. In this presentation, the CD-ROM will be demonstrated; and the methodology used, the results, prospects, strengths and weaknesses of using this method for evaluating multimedia resources will be discussed.

The phenomenographic approach is an effective qualitative research technique that could be used by the participants to evaluate multimedia products. This presentation describes the methodology used and results. It will also describe weaknesses and strengths of this approach. The CD-ROM used for evaluation will be demonstrated as well. The CD-ROM was developed by the presenter and the process of development; costs involved; use by target audience etc. are other issues that may be of interest to the participants.

Dr. Kalyani Premkumar
Meducational Skills Tools & Technology Inc. 205,
1640 16th Ave NW Calgary Alberta Canada T2M OL6
Phone: (403) 220 9377
Fax: (403) 220 9387
Email: kalyani@meducational.com
Website: http://www.meducational.com