Learning with Multimedia Cases: An Evaluation Study

This article is about the relation between case-based learning and transfer in teacher education. Through a design research approach a multimedia case has been developed. The topic of the case is "outdoor activities in science education." The core of the case is a 17 minute video that is supplemented by all kinds of background information. Results indicate that preservice teachers with the guidance of open assignments retrieve substantial information from the case. We also found that preservice teachers were motivated to transfer their learning into teaching practice. This transfer effect, however, is best characterized as near transfer, because the actual outdoor activities stayed close to that portrayed in the video of the multimedia case. A few students were able to go beyond the information given in the case. This far transfer only occurred if prompted by the context specific features of the student teaching situation.