Kozma:
The advancement of technology today supports Kozma's argument on learning with media. One shouldn't envision media as just "vehicles" for driving instruction. There are more unique attributes that media offers wherein the focus can be learner-centered. Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, and Zvacek (2009) state that a goal for "distance education programs is to make education more student centered through the prepackaging of instructional materials that students may use when convenient" (p. 80). The key word there is "convenient". Learning with media advantages include this ubiquitous idea wherein a learner can acquire information at anytime, anyplace, whenever it is wanted. E-mail, Skype, DimDim, Blackboard, Web Pages, etc. give learners this capability. In Hastings and Tracey's article (2004), they mention how only computers can access databases, assist virtual classrooms, and "can provide interactive, anytime, anywhere, learner-controlled training" (p. 29). As courses are designed to be more learner-centered, computers help to increase motivation because it gives the learner more time to interact with the content.
The array of different media also taps into the multiple intelligences of learners. Learning with media might be the key component for visual learners wherein different attributes of media varies teaching and learning possibilities. For example, the military used teletraining as one of its courses and found that they had statistically major gains in precourse and postcourse performances (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, and Zvacek, 2009). Research was also done by Souder (1993) comparing interaction and achievement of distance learning and traditional learning. Evaluations were made using a questionnaire, and students who participated in distance learning bonded more with their classmates and instructor. Results also showed that they had higher achievements than those involved with traditional learning.
Although Kozma believes that learning with media is highly effective, he does understand that instructional methods and delivery medium is just as important. A course designer must consider each and think about the learners when choosing what media would be most beneficial to learn with.
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hi Heidi,
ReplyDeleteI think that the media is effect learning, and I like you example that the military used teletraining as one of its courses and found that they had statistically major gains in precourse and postcourse performances.
thank you
Eman
hi
ReplyDeletethe way that you present your argument was so good about kozma idea of how media does effect learning and how does is it work. i like that you give example of the deferent kind of media that we use in learning and education environment.
thank you
Heidi, I think you presented thing well, but I must say that I think novelty is what is floating the pink cloud that eLearning sits on. I was in the military, and anything that was presented to us in training other than some sergeant reciting a program made it more interesting and productive.
ReplyDeleteBob
Heidi
ReplyDeleteThe delivery media is important especiaally when it matches the message. How can you teach open water scuba diving without a pool or an adequate body of water to practice in? What about learning to drive a car or fly a plane - cooking?
I was impressed with the STEM lab at CSUSB. here the media matches the message, to learn the physics of building a bridge, you build a bridge! To learn to fly a plane, you fly a flight simulator! and to understand gear ratios...etc.
Here are perfect examples of proper media/message match.
great position paper
Heidi, for the sake of the debate I have to ask you if "convenience" is really the issue. You state " Learning with media might be the key component for visual learners wherein different attributes of media varies teaching and learning possibilities." This is not a new idea. Educators use visual cues long before technology entered the classroom. Diagrams were drawn on chalkboards. Manipulatives were brought to the classroom from real life. Media is more convenient, but does that effect quality of learning or just get the content accross in a different manner? What about the student who does not have access to this wonderful new technology? Media must be content driven, whereas content is not dependent upon media. I believe that supports Clark's concept.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the responses.
ReplyDeleteFor the fun of the assignment, here is my response to Donna's comment supporting Clark. I think convenience is an issue. Who wants to learn at other people's convenience or schedule? One will be more motivated to learn when the timing works for them, and motivation is a key component for effective learning. That's what media does for a learner. Although convenience is an issue, it isn't the only attribute media brings to learning. That brings me to my other argument. Yes, visual cues have been around for a long time, but that's exactly the point. Chalkboards and manipulatives are outdated. Media can bring so much more to learning wherein this idea of the delivery truck turns into a jet which definitely effects the quality of learning. The access to technology is always going to be an issue. But if one is motivated with media, then one will find a way to gain access. Use the FREE library computers. Yes...content drives media, but I think educators/designers begin to focus more on how that content is going to be delivered.
I think of my own teaching. I have my standards that I am going to teach...but my main focus is how I am going to deliver that content. The content is going to be learned best when the delivery method is the best...that's where media comes in. I always find a way to incorporate technology. It's amazing how much more they can pick up from going on different computer programs when I taught the same thing in class without the use of technology. They are highly motivated to learn with the use of media. That's why I say...MEDIA DOES EFFECT LEARNING!!!!!
I couldn't agree with you more. The more convenient and or accessible the content, the better it is for the learner. At the same time, the media used could have a positive or negative impact depending upon how it is designed and the perception of the learner. Nonetheless, Kozma's argument holds true that the media used makes a difference.
ReplyDeletePlease add Pam's blog too.
ReplyDeletehttp://levanadventure.blogspot.com/