Media and Its Relevance to Instructional Technology

The Media Craze

 

1. Media selection is important in e-Learning because it sets up the classroom environment and tone. According to Media Selection (2003), “the appropriateness of justification for using of a particular type of media element depends upon its context in an instructional strategy which describes the desired learner experience” (par. 1). In other words, media is to be used to fit the class, its current discussions, and to help enhance student navigation in software and instructional design.

2. New Media is a term used to define all that is related to the internet and its dynamics between technology, sound, and imagery (Socha, 2012, par.1). New media constantly changes to keep up with new and emerging technologies. Technologies that are considered “new media” are digital, can be manipulated, are networkable, dense, compressible, and interactive.

3. The new media I would like to discuss are DVDs. Some strengths and weaknesses of DVDs to eLearning are that DVDs are used through Sharable Content Object Reference Models (SCORM). These standards are set to “create certain levels of uniformity that would enable computer-based learning to communicate, share and reuse learning objects (LO) using learning management systems (LMS)” (Tim Spannaus, par.1). The pros of using this DVD software in eLearning are though its accessibility, its interoperability, its durability, its and its reusability (par. 3). In addition, this efficient form of LMS use enhances productivity, and reduces time and cost which has been a major concern in developing eLearning courses. In addition, here are some multimedia resources that DVDs format to use in eLearning environments. We are already familiar with a few (par.7):

• MERLOT — Multimedia Educational Resource for Online Learning and Teaching MERLOT
• Careo – Campus Alberta Repository of Educational Objects Careo
• MCLI – Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction – MCLI
• Wisconsin Online Resource Center — Wisc-Online? Learning Object Project Wisc-Online
• OpenCourseWare - Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT
• Smete – Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology Education Smete
• GEM – Gateway to Educational Materials Project GEM

Some cons of DVD new media are technical concerns that most software inevitably comes with. Also, updating course materials, interpreting the SCORM environment the way it is to be intended (upkeep with framework), updating the DVD software, and caused delays are topics of concern (par.9).

4. Mobile learning is any form of learning that happens anywhere and anytime, using portable technologies like a smart phones, iPods, tablets, laptops, netbooks, iPads, and USBs, etc. These devices are typically used for educational and productivity uses (Mobile Learning, 2012). The importance of mobile learning is that presently it enhances e-Learning literacy, “provides outlets for vocational education and training, provides consistent connectivity for children, formulates out of classroom interaction and collaboration, enhances professional learning, group-based teaching and development, and supports students with disabilities” (Villegas, 2012, par.9). I believe that the future of mobile learning (M-Learning) is bright.  M-learning will continue to enhance communication and literacy practices in e-Learning. In the future, the current problems with portable M-learning that I believe will be improved for future e-Learning classrooms include device variability, slow download speed, small screen sizes, awkward text input, and limited memory (p. 6). M-learning will continue to enhance any eLearning environment due to its flexibility in use, its many interactive options, and its commitment to fulfilling end user expectations. William Horton, Consulting, Inc. (2011) addresses specific constructs used on an iPhone. These include architectural tours, quiz-show games, and scavenger hunts.

5. A virtual classroom is an online learning environment that connects individuals through portals or through software. Virtual classrooms can be used in e-Learning because originally they have employed basic e-Learning practices and are best conducted through asynchronous and synchronous meetings with instructors and their students. Basic virtual meetings can be conducted through web conferencing, Skype, VoIP calls, message boards, and chats, etc. Virtual classrooms provide an inevitable flexibility in its approach to e-Learning and employ the use of more tools and features like Adobe and virtual whiteboards. In addition, virtual classrooms span a wide bandwidth, and provide essential interaction and learning activities that measure technical knowledge, procedural knowledge, and operational knowledge (Falloon, 2011, p.448).

 

Resources:

Falloon, G.(2011). Exploring the virtual classroom: What students should know. MERLOT Journal of

     Online Learning and Teaching, 7(4), 448. Retrieved from http://jolt.merlot.org/vol7no4/

      falloon_1211.pdf

Media Selection.(2003). Cognitive Design Solutions. Retrieved from

     http://www.cognitivedesignsolutions.com/Media/MediaSelection.htm

Mobile Learning.(2012). Mobile. Retrieved from http://mobile2012.org/mobile-learning/

     Socha, B., & Eber-Schmid, B. (2012). What is new media? New Media Institute. Retrieved from

     http://www.newmedia.org/what-is-new-media.html

Spannaus, Tim. Pros and cons of developing SCORM-compliant instructional materials.

     Tiki. Retrieved from http://www.tspannaus.com/wiki/tiki- index.php?page=Pros+and+

Villegas, D. (2012). The future of mobile learning. Comcast. Retrieved from

     http://home.comcast.net/~danivillegas/FutureofMobileLearningWhitepaper.pdf          

     Cons+of+Developing+SCORM-compliant+Instructional+Materials

William Horton, Consulting, Inc. Mobile learning activities. 1 November 2012.

      2011. Retrieved from http://www.horton.com/portfoliomobile.htm