Does the media utilized to deliver educational content have a bearing on the impact or level of understanding for the learner? The answer is unquestionably yes. Anytime you change the format or delivery of information and the matter in which it is presented or accessed, there will be differences in the way the viewer perceives this information as well as how the information is recorded, processed and retained.
Imagine viewing a paper document presenting content in one giant block of black text. Lets assume this content was explaining the components of a car engine and how to troubleshoot certain mechanical issues. Not only would it be unappealing, it would be difficult to read. The human eye would be overwhelmed with the amount of information and this would have a direct impact on the learner’s comprehension. Now lets envision the same content presented in an instructional video complete with actual step-by-step footage of the engine and its separate components. Here the learner is able to digest the information audibly & visually.
Clark makes the analogy that media is like a vehicle that delivers the content and argues that the content is delivered regardless of the type of vehicle. The content may or may not be delivered depending upon the media, but the real question is the overall effectiveness of the content and the efficiency of the delivery. If you need information immediately, would you choose to have it shipped on a ship or would you choose airmail? The fact of the matter is that the resources at our disposal today were not taken into account when Clark made this claim. He could not have foreseen the technology that is now commonly used in today’s society.
Computers have increased the potential possibilities in almost every aspect of life, so why wouldn’t it be the same for education? With all of the demands on the modern student, they need the content delivered as promptly and efficiently as possible. They also need this content to be accessible and versatile. This is not possible in a face-to-face class where your primary media is your instructor’s lectures, textbooks, and paper handouts and or notes. With a well-designed online course, the computer is your media and you have total access to all of the content and can retrieve this content at any time. This way you are able to learn at the pace that best suits you.
Our text states that several recent studies indicate a “significantly higher achievement level for those learning at a distance.” One such study conducted by Souder in which the focus of the study was interaction and achievement in distance learning concluded that the distance learners were “…observed to gain much more than a traditional education from their experiences.” Though the text also states that successful distance learners tend to be “intrinsically motivated”, learner characteristics are a common variable. Different media can also affect a learner’s attitude and motivation towards learning.
In summary, the media used to convey content have a considerable bearing on a learner’s understanding. The quality of the content, the learner’s characteristics and subject area also play major roles. For example, the text mentions that, “Visual channels may be more important in subject areas such as math and science…” The bottom line is that communication is the single most essential component of the learning environment and inherent in every distinct form of media is a dissimilar degree of communication.
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Thank you for sharing Nate. I also supported Kozma in this debate. I liked how you discussed in the first paragraph how information is presented and the differences in how the viewers perceive that information. This relates perfectly with the multiple intelligences of learners. Traditional learning methods cannot deliver information as well as today's media, hoping to connect with learners at all different levels. The unique capabilities of media today can vary teaching and learning possibilities.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Clark would change his position now knowing how advanced technology has progressed?
Hi Nate, I enjoyed your lively discussion of this issue, especially because I was much more on Kozma's side that Clark's.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about all the media used in advertising. Clearly in this market, all media are not priced the same - because all media can not do the job equally well. A clever commercial that people talk about, a jingle that gets stuck in your head - these are examples of learning even when the learner has no motivation at all. And they are only possible by using attributes of media. Maybe we could learn something about on-line learning by looking at how commercials are developed.
I'm not sure I was as impressed with the DOE report saying that on-line learners learn more. I'm concerned about the definitions of learning being used in these studies and suspect it is immediate, low-level learning that's being measured. I'd be happy if on-line learning did as well as face-to-face and actually think a hybrid or blended model would work best. Especially for applications of learning you might study the video on repairing a car but wouldn't you rather have a mechanic with you to coach you the first time you try it yourself?
Thanks for the comments. I was hoping that someone arguing from Clark's perspective would challenge my analogy. In response to Heidi's question, I don't think that Clark would have any other choice but to reposition his stance on this topic given the advancement of technology. Sue, I agree with your statement about the commercials. I actually used to take content from textbooks that I had to memorize and convert it to my own media that was easier to memorize, whether it was a song or a collection of images that I visualized. I also agree with you on the hybrid issue. I think a mixture of hands on or face-to-face and online is the best option that we have to offer students at this point in time.
ReplyDeleteYour interpretation is that you are pro-Kozma? Yes. I agree with your position noted where the use of media to deliver educational content does have an impact and affects the level of understanding for the learner. The analogy of the paper documents’ presentation was an excellent visual tool to help me get my head around what you are attempting to describe.
ReplyDeleteWith Clark making his claim in the early eighties, it becomes clear to me he did not realize what the future held for the vast progress in available technologies. One key point I found in your response was in regard to having quality content as it plays a major role in conveying learning objectives to the learner.