Digital media as an amplifier for pedagogical development

Since the introduction of computer aided learning a lot of effort has been spent to find new solutions for more effective learning methods in terms of cost effective and time saving models. In early attempts traditional formats were adapted to new forms of mediation. A few examples succeeded, others turned out to be failures. Since August 1999 a collaboration project between The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Chalmers Medialab at Chalmers University of Technology focus on the design process of digital applications to be used in undergraduate studies. Six projects developed different applications of which four have been in use in courses since the autumn semester of 2000. A evaluation of these projects show that digital media can be part of a more time effective learning process concerning the use of traditional laboratories. Experience from the projects also shows that the confrontation with new media emphasize the importance of a critical and pedagogical analysis of traditional learning models. In cases with more traditional models, where digital media applications is not the final purpose of a pedagogical development project, the processes and methods of digital design still seem to be useful. Through the experience of being part of a professional media development team the participating faculty members learned how to improve traditional activities by using methods related to new media design