Web-Based Instruction: Media

Using Text Media

Positives	Negatives	Use for outcomes:
Surveyable Easy to produce Low bandwidth Familiar Many readers Not much specialization	Overused Passive 100% learner motivation Time lag	Simple to complex Suited to synthesis/evaluation Reflection – due to time lag

Using Audio Media

Positives	Negatives	Use for Outcomes:
Two-way interaction Enrich a text only course Useful for explanations, accessibility, pronunciations Great for auditory learners Speed – faster than typing (and less inhibitive)	Easy to tune out Text read – limits pace – user needs to be able to disable Need professional “voice” Extended audio needs to be indexed – time/expense	Across spectrum Presentation Explanations Dialogue Analysis Synthesis

Using Visual Media: Graphics, Diagrams, & Digital Pictures

Positives	Negatives	Use for Outcomes:
Abundance Low cost (if using clip art/digital camera) Versatile – use for any learning task Low bandwidth (if done right) Enrich learning material	Can be poor quality Motion/animation can be expensive Time consuming Involved if using graphic artist	Digital pictures Graphics – Internet Graphic artist – designing Enriches text – “picture is worth a thousand words” Animations

Using Video & The Internet

Positives	Negatives	Use for Outcomes
Visual Personal medium Many viewers/large audience Detail complex tasks Ability to review Increased variety – CD, Streaming	Specialized team – i.e. producer, editor, camera Expensive Not easy to modify Sequential, difficult to survey Passive	Demonstrations Explanations Lecture Complex – i.e. whiteboard – physics problem solving Two way (expensive) – instructor observes student

Using Game Simulations

Positives	Negatives	Use for Outcomes
Simulation Self-paced Re-usable Team based Memorable	Expensive Time consuming Complex to design Team based Added complexity for learners	Demonstrations Knowledge Broad knowledge Practice complex skill in safe environment Synthesis

Using Audio & Video for Interactive Lectures

Positives	Negatives	Use for Outcomes
Highly interactive Familiar – students and instructors Effective Proven history Can incorporate other media	Only synchronous Expensive No “knowledge” trail (classrooms) Limited audience size Not surveyable	Everything Main determinant of success is the skill of the instructor

Using Collaboration

Positives	Negatives	Use for Outcomes:
Knowledge building Communities Student to student Time on task Ideal for online environment Supplements other media	Takes time – not ideal for short-course training Difficult to do Change required of student and instructor	Explanation/demonstration Higher order Synthesis, evaluation Deep learning, not surface Multiple perspectives

Using Multiple Media Formats

Positives	Negatives	Use for Outcomes:
Combine best features, minimize weaknesses Enriched learning Asynchronous Synchronous	Instructors have to combine tools to achieve outcomes “Ideal” elearning tool doesn’t exist yet Complexity High skill required	Anything

changed July 19, 2008