Media or Method? Why not both?

The reading for the media vs. method debate made interesting points. Richard Clark focused on looking at using media has a tool to accomplish instructional methods, but made it clear that it is only one tool among others that are used to accomplish the intended objectives. Robert Kozma did not see the need to separate media and method. He showed how media (computer programs, video, television, radio, etc.) are used to enhance learning methods. As technology continues to reach new limits, it can continue to improve the learning experiences of students. And while the media is a great tool, it should not be used just because it exists. An instructor should always keep in mind the needs of the students, and use whatever organized plan of instruction will most effectively and efficiently meet the learners needs as they relate to instructional objectives.

The Great Debate Reading

The Clark article I read was written in a foreign language! I'll show my ignorance and say that I understood little of what he was trying to say, other then his analogy that media is like a delivery truck. Does anyone speak acadamia and plain english that will translate this for those without minds as immeasurable as gifted as others? Hopefully the article other side of the debate will make more sense. Should I be doing something to cultivate the soil of my mind to understand these types of articles more? It really makes it hard to read them when I'm missing the intent of the author due to a language barrier.

Media Presentation on Video

We had a great discussion on 4 forums of media that are used in instructions: still photo, audio, video, and text. I was part of the audio only group and I was frustrated at hearing instructions saw 'put your finger here' or 'fold here while...'. When we came back to class and I had a chance to go make a lotus flower with the written text and still photos it was SO much easier. It is a fact that individuals learn differently, and I might add that maybe the activity might dictate what media or combination of media to use. If video or audio is used, it is helpful to have the ability to pause and rewind the instruction so the learner does not get behind or miss a step. It was helpful to consider how different learners learn from each of these media or the combination of them.

Project Analysis

The analysis document we turned in this week was a huge learning experience. I was surprised at all the details we took into account to provide the needed instruction. I enjoyed going on a 'field trip' to gather information and talk to our SME and finally going into depth on each step of the analysis portion of our project. I can see why the instructional design process can be time consuming when it really addresses a problem and creates instruction to contribute to the problem's solution.

PS- I'm really enjoying Fall Break!

Analysis Documentation

Yesterday our team (Josh, Wade, and I) went to a game processing plant to gather information for our task analysis. I am glad there are SME's out there! Wade's cousin, Clay, answered all the questions we had related to our project for class. Talking with Clay the SME, provided detail for our project that it would have been difficult to gain through my own experience. With this detail we go forward to finish our Analyze!