Developing media for Young LearnersDevelopment of science and technology, demand and encourage the growth of education in Indonesia. One element that plays an important role in the learning process is learning media. Learning media as a source of learning can help teachers enrich young learners’ horizons. Various forms and types of instructional media used by the teacher will be a source of knowledge for young learners.

The use of instructional media in teaching and learning process can generate new desires and interests, and stimulation of learning and even bring psychological effects on young learners. The use of instructional media at this stage of learning orientation will greatly assist the effectiveness of the learning process and the delivery of messages and content.

In line with developments in technology, computers can be used as a learning tool. Computers as learning media utilization include presenter information, simulation, training, and learning games.

Mathematics instructional media that if in accordance with the era of information technology is a medium that combines the principle of edutainment-based entertainment with education. The hope, with the elements of entertainment, edutainment-based media will be preferred student than regular learning software.

Edutainment is designed specifically for the purpose of the presentation of education mixed with entertainment elements in accordance with the material. The introduction of computers in teaching and learning process to create a fun atmosphere for young learners to regulate the speed of learning according to his ability. Images and sounds that appear to make young learners do not get bored quickly, otherwise it stimulating to learn more again.

Media capable of acting as a tutor or encyclopedia, will provide information and feedback to young learners quickly. Students do not just sit and listen passively. They must think, and respond. But the media-based edutainment not ruled to be designed for students who are less active in the classroom is to provide a meaningful simulation as well as good media interactivity.

Media as well as programs that teach abstract concepts will greatly support the learning process. Application of equation in a book or a teacher taught in class will be felt more concrete. Through this program students are expected to make his own equation and sets of variables used, so came the completion of the equation made by the students. Students can also choose the material that will be studied and passed the material is controlled so that they are not saturated with the material that they feel easy. With this way of learning, students will be able to control their own learning.

In its development, edutainment-based media is expected according to student characteristics such as level of intelligence, maturity, and mastery of prerequisite material that can deliver the students to master basic competencies.

Edutaintment based media created is expected to increase students’ ability to learn independently and solve problems. In the use of this medium, students can decide what he would do. Thus students will learn to analyze, look at the problem and find an alternative

which is a troubleshooting step. The existence of taking such action, the ability of students to solve problems will increase.

Media EducationThe word media comes from the Latin is the plural of medium restriction on the media is very broad sense, but we restrict the media education course that is the medium used as a tool of learning activities and materials.

Why should the media in learning? The question that often arises to question the importance of media in a education. We must know first abstract and concrete concepts in learning, because the learning process is essentially the communication process, delivering a message of introduction to the recipient. Messages in the form of content / teaching that is poured into the symbols of communication both verbal (words & written) and non-verbal, this process is called encoding. Interpretation of the symbols of communication by students called decoding.

There are times when the interpretation is successful, sometimes not.  Misadventures in understanding what is heard, read, seen or observed. Failure / failure or obstacles in the communication process known as barriers or noise. More and more the more abstract verbal comprehension received.So where media function? It’s good we see diagram cone of learning from Edgar Dale, which clearly gives emphasis on the importance of media in education:

cone_of_learning.jpg

In general, the media has a purpose:

clarify the message that is not too verbalistis.overcome the limitations of space, time, energy and sense of power.excite learning, more direct interaction between students with learning resources.allows children to learn independently according to their talents and abilities of visual, auditory and kinesthetic.give the same stimulus, likening the experience & create the same perception.

In addition, the contribution of instructional media by Kemp and Dayton, 1985:

Submission of a message can be more standardized learningLearning can be more interestingLearning becomes more interactive by applying learning theoryThe timing of learning can be shortenedThe quality of learning can be enhancedThe learning process can take place whenever and wherever neededStudents’ positive attitude towards learning materials and learning process can be enhancedThe role of teachers in a positive direction changes

Characteristics and capabilities of each media need to be considered by the teachers so that they can choose which media in accordance with the conditions and needs. For example, audio cassette media, a media auditif that teaches topics such as verbal learning pronunciation (pronounciation) foreign language. For foreign language teaching medium is considered appropriate because if the media is directly given without an accurate common inaccuracies in pronunciation repetition and so forth. The making of this audio cassette media including

easy, requiring only a tape recorder and speakers who can speak a foreign language, while the utilization using the same tool.

For that we need observed list of instructional media groups according to Anderson, 1976 the following:

MEDIA GROUP

Instructional Media

1.Audio

audio tapes (reel or cassette)audio discradio (tape)

2.Print

programmed textbookshandbook / manualbook task

3.Audio – Print

equipped exercise books tapespicture / poster (with audio)

4.Visual Project Silence

film frames (slides)movie bundle (containing the verbal message)

5.Silent with Audio Visual Project

film frames (slides) voicefilm sound chain

6.Visual Motion

silent movie with the title (caption)

7.Motion by Audio Visual

sound filmVideo / vcd / dvd

8.Object

real objecttirual model (mock up)

9.Computer

computer-based media; CAI (Computer Assisted Instructional) & CMI (Computer Managed Instructiona

Classification & Type of Media

CLASSIFICATION

MEDIA TYPESMedia that is not projected realia, models, graphic materials, displaysThe media projected OHT, Slide, OpaqueAudio Media Audio K assets, Audio  ission, aktive Audio VissionMedia Video VideoComputer A computer-based media bassisted Instructional (Computer Based Learning)Tool kit Multimedia lab

Media is Not Projected

• Reality: The real object used as learning materials

• Model: Things that are three-dimensional representation of the objectactually

• Graphics: Images or visual appearance is not projected (Graph, Chart, Poster, Cartoon)

• Display: Medium whose use is installed in a certain place so that it can be seen the information and knowledge in it.

Media Video

• Advantages

- Can stimulate motion effects

- Can be given a voice or color

- Does not require special expertise in the presentation.

- Does not require a dark room in the presentation

• Disadvantages

- Requires special equipment in the presentation

- Requires power

- Requires special skills and teamwork in the making

Computer-Based Media

Forms of interaction that can be applied

• Practice and training (drill & practice)

• Tutorials

• Games (games)

• Simulation (simulation)

• Discovery (discovery)

• Solving Problems (Problem Solving)

(Heinich, et.al 1996)

The progress of computer media provide several advantages for the production of audio-visual activities. In recent years gained great computer for its ability to be used in the field of learning activities. Coupled with network technology and the Internet, the computer seemed to be excellent in learning activities.

Behind the reliability of the computer as a learning medium, there are several issues that should be considered early for managing computer-based teaching:

Hardware-and software-are expensive and quickly outdatedThe technology is rapidly changing, it is possible that devices that are purchased now, several years later would be out of date.Making a complex program and need assistance in initial operation in order to explain its use. This another way with companion modules that explain the use and operation of the program.

Use of Computers in Learning ProcessPreviously need to explain the term CAI and CMI are used in learning activities with computers.

CAI; namely the use of computers directly with students to convey the content of lessons, provide training and test students’ progress. CAI can be a substitute teacher as a tutor in the classroom. CAI also a variety of forms depending on the designer and developer of learning skills, may take the form of the game (games), teach abstract concepts which then be realized in the form of audio visual and animated.

CMI; used as a teaching assistant administrative functions are increasing, as the recapitulation of student achievement data, a database of books / e-library, school administrative activities such as payment records, receipts, etc..

In the present CMI and CAI the same functions and activities such as in e-Learning, where the administration and teaching and learning activities are included in one system.

Use of Computers in Learning ActivitiesFor the purpose of CognitiveComputers can teach the concepts of rules, principles, measures, processes, and complex calculations. Computers also can explain this concept by simply by combining visual and audio are animated. Making it suitable for independent learning activities.

For Psychomotor ObjectivesWith the form of learning that is packaged in a very good game & simulation is used to create the conditions for the working world. Some examples of programs, among others; simulated landing of aircraft, simulation of war in the most severe terrain and so forth.

For the purpose of AffectiveWhen a program is designed precisely to give a voice clip or video snippet that it inspires feelings, learning attitude / affective can be done using computer media.

REFERENCES

• Green L (1996). Creatives Silde / Tape Programs. Colorado: Libraries Unlimited, Inc.. Littleton.

• S. Hackbarth (1996). The Educational Technology Hanbook. New Jersey: Educational Technology Publications, Englewood Cliffs.

• Hannafin, M. J., Peck, L. L. (1998). The Design Development and Education of Instructional Software. New York: Mc. Millan Publ., Co..

• Heinich, R., et. al. (1996) Instructional Media and Technologies for Learning. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs.

• E. Dale, Audiovisual Methods in Teaching, 1969, NY: Dyden Press

• Bloom, S. Benjamin (1956). Taxonomy of Educational Objective The Classification of Educational Goal.