Characteristics, strengths & weaknesses - Audio visual tools
Audio visual tools such as video recordings, audio recordings, photos, slides and overhead transparencies are an essential component of many education projects. They should always be considered as aids and not as an educational method that stands alone. Audio visual material should be introduced and concluded through some form of discussion. It needs to be carefully selected or prepared to ensure it is relevant, convincing and interesting. While video recordings are often the most favoured audio visual aid, their production requires significant financial resources and professional expertise. How they are to be distributed also requires careful consideration. Slides, photographs and audio recordings are a very useful alternative.
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Strengths
- are useful to add, maintain and stimulate interest
- can save time: `A picture is worth a thousand words!'
- can clarify and clear up problems of ambiguity
- can reinforce the concepts you are trying to communicate in words
- can be useful in conveying emotive elements
- can aid memory
- can provide 'proof' and make an issue 'real'.
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Weaknesses
- production costs for video material can be expensive
- material goes out-of-date quickly
- may require special equipment and space for viewing and listening
- equipment will require regular servicing to minimise breakdowns
- are inclined to 'sit on the shelf'.
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Page last updated: 27 February 2011
