#1
What role could multimedia instructional materials and student multimedia projects play in bringing about a culture who supports democracy, freedom of expression, tolerance, diversity and complexity of opinion?

Multimedia easily can be turned into multi cultural. Ethnocentrism is the biggest contributor to the narrow-mindedness many students may have. Many students have learned the attitude they have through parents and peers. They have not gained any worldly experience. Through multimedia you can take your students around the world exposing them to a variety of experiences. After a students has the opportunity to see a bigger picture a more logical, intelligent position can be formed.

#2
How can teachers’ use of multimedia support the development of such a culture?
Multimedia is a good way to inform students of issues and the background.

Today’s teenagers are not always willing to read information. Media can be a great way of covering lots if information in a short amount of time. In a addition multimedia projects can cater to a broader range of senses. If students are able to be immerse themselves into an era such as in a history class the likelihood of understanding the contemporaries is much better. By understanding they are able to gain perspective from a view outside their own frame of reference.

#3
What are the challenges in your classroom?

When it comes to expression, tolerance, diversity and opinion; maturity is the biggest issue when dealing with high school students. Also within my classroom I deal mostly with freshman and at that age they are unable to fully understand the depths of some social issues. In addition students need to have a full understanding of reliable resources and what propaganda is.