The audio-visual aids influence the mind through the eyes and the ears. Modern teaching emphasises multi-sensory approach to teaching-learning situations.
The greater the number of senses involved, the better the learning. Audio-visual aids involve two senses, hence the name. Under this category, we have two important audio-visual aids.
1. Television
Television has got a great potential value in the field of education. It is ‘one of the most versatile audio-visual aids ever developed’. It is an improvement upon radio broadcasts. The pupils can also hear and see on the screen.
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Television has been said to be “the black-board dramatised, the picture brought to life’. Various lessons and demonstrations duly illustrated by slides, models, specimens etc., can be observed by the pupils and the teachers. Many educational talks and discussions can be seen.
Television focuses the attention of students of a particular topic. Through television a good teacher can reach the students spread over distant school, simultaneously and effectively.
2. Sound Motion’s Pictures or Films
Educational films can communicate through sight and sound, important educational ideas in a very interesting manner. The film can provide true-to life experience from anywhere and everywhere in the world.
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The films can heighten reality be eliminating distractions and by pointing out relationship that might be overlooked. These can take us to places otherwise inaccessible or removed far away. Films depict motion and continuity. These can bring the distant past and the present into the class-room. Through the medium of films, we can reconstruct history.
The films compel attention. We cannot help looking at a motion picture. The impact of films is very great. These can influence and change our attitude, interests and opinions. Films can bring variety in the class room atmosphere and lead to greater retention of knowledge. However the films are costly and may not be easily available to the schools.