PAULA NADREA PAQUIBULAN (VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY)

THE USE OF MULTIMEDIA MATERIALS IN TEACHING A COMMUNICATION COURSE IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY IN-SERVICE ENGLISH TEACHERS : DIGITAL LITERACIES/LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY

In the contemporary landscape of higher education, integrating multimedia materials into pedagogical practices has become increasingly prevalent as it enriches learning experiences. Hence, this study tried to examine the complexities inherent in using these instructional materials and provide insights for pedagogical improvement. Through a phenomenological research design, the study explored the lived experiences of 22 pre-identified teacher participants from three state-owned universities in Western Leyte. The data were gathered through a preliminary survey, classroom observation, and interviews. Through thematic analysis, the data revealed the multifaceted challenges faced by educators. The most common challenge observed was troubleshooting problems, specifically navigating equipment and devices. The typical approach used by the teacher participants to deal with the challenges in multimedia use was to consider their previous experiences and to rely on assistance from others. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive professional development initiatives that would address the identified challenges, equipping in-service English teachers with the requisite skills and strategies to use multimedia effectively in the classroom. Moreover, this study can contribute to the ongoing discourse on pedagogical innovation in higher education communication courses as it sheds light on the lived experiences of in-service English teachers using multimedia materials. It can also offer valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to enhance the efficacy of multimedia-based instruction and cultivate dynamic learning environments that support student engagement and academic success.

Paula Nadrea Morales-Paquibulan is currently a senior lecturer at the Visayas State University. She is handling language, communication, literature courses. Her research interests include language and technology, digital literacies, and historical linguistics.