Media (is) the Message?
Knowing that there is a debate about a specific
topic immediately sparks my interest. Now, this debate and the difference of
opinions may be complex because I am finding similarities that may be difficult
to explain. The basic questions that
need to be answered are: Does using technology make a difference when teaching
in the classroom? If we use technology, will it positively support and benefit
the students?
In one corner, we have Richard Clark, a skeptic,
whom feels that "media is merely a vehicle for learning, and that the
truly causal agent in learning is the method of instruction that was
used." On the other corner, we have
Robert Kozma, the advocate, who disagreed with Clark! He believes that media is
more than a vehicle and can make a big impact in learning.
I personally lean more towards Kozma's opinion and
views. I also believe that without a dedicated teacher, not much learning can
occur. Because simply providing a child with an technology device is not enough,
it has to be accompanied with quality teaching. Yes, technology is great, but there has to be
a deliverer of knowledge that can provide the tools required to motivate children
to create something after being taken through the steps of the Bloom's
Technology Pyramid or the Bloom's Revised Taxonomy by Kathy Schrock.
I do feel that just because we believe technology is
important, we simply cannot force the children to sit in front of the computer
several hours a week and think they are
being benefited. Technology may be a vehicle for learning, but we must be watchful
of what we place children in front of. I have seen programs such as Istation (a
reading program) and Accelerated Reader (a program that monitors students'
scores and points after taking tests when they finish reading books) that may
take control of the learning that occurs in the classroom. After being a
teacher for eight years, I have learned that none of these programs were able
to do what I accomplished in a small group setting doing guided reading.
Bottom line is that technology must be used in the
classroom because we are dealing with digital natives that swim in an ocean of
texts, tweets, blogs, and posts.
Resources:
NATHAN, M., &
ROBINSON, C. (2001). Considerations of Learning and Learning Research: Revisiting the "Media
Effects" Debate. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 12(1),
69. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do? p=GPS&sw=w&u=j108902&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA75645474& asid=bc0e97a2b0aec5dfbd8d2a974e8627d1
I also agree with Cozma's argument. I think that teachers need to be able to implement proper technology when delivering a lesson to obtain great student achievement.
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology is a vehicle for learning, but it is also a tool that accompanies direct instruction from the teacher.
ReplyDeleteAgreed... a computer program alone cannot render the same outcome our personal instruction with the integration of technology can!
ReplyDeleteGreat point! Technology is important, I also believe that different methods of learning can help students become successful learners.
ReplyDeleteYes. The combination of great planning, teacher guidance, and the careful implementation of technology is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope everyone always feels that the teacher is the guiding force behind the learning. I also agreed with Kozma's argument for the use of media.
ReplyDeleteI cannot agree more with your stance on AR and iStation. They are definitely not substitutes for direct, small-group teaching. I know it may seem controversial as a library science student/future librarian but I am completely against AR but that opinion shall be reserved for another blog post. :)
ReplyDeleteMonica, you should see what riots your opinion would cause in "certain" schools. Unfortunately, it is getting out of hand. But, my friend, we will post that on another blog!Hahaha!
DeleteI agree - technology must be accompanied by quality teaching!
ReplyDeleteYes, we are dealing with "digital natives" as Prensky states. It's a combination of both media and great teaching in order to have our students succeed.
ReplyDelete