Section 1 :
Introduction
Section 1 :
Introduction
“ Learning From ” and “ Learning With ” Media and Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
There are two major approaches to using media and technology in schools : students can learn “ from ” media and technology , and they can learn “ with ” media and technology ( Jonassen & Reeves , 1996 ). Learning “ from ” media and technology is often referred to in terms such as instructional television , computerbased instruction , or integrated learning systems ( Hannafin , Hannafin , Hooper , Rieber , & Kini , 1996 ; Seels , Berry , Fullerton , & Horn , 1996 ). Learning “ with ” technology , less widespread than the “ from ” approach , is referred to in terms such as cognitive tools ( Jonassen & Reeves , 1996 ) and constructivist learning environments ( Wilson , 1996 ).
Regardless of the approach , media and technology have been introduced into schools because it is believed that they can have positive effects on teaching and learning . The purpose of this report is to summarize the evidence for the effectiveness and impact of media and technology in schools around the world . ( A limitation of this report is that the vast majority of the published research on the effectiveness of media and technology in schools was conducted in Englishspeaking countries such as Australia , Canada , the United Kingdom , and the United States of America .) Research studies concerning the impact of these different approaches will be presented in the next two sections of this report . But first , it is necessary to clarify what is meant by the terms “ media ” and “ technology ” within the context of education .
The Challenge of Defining Media and Technology
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Media has many definitions ranging from “ a particular form of communication ” as in “ print versus video ” to “ the industry that provides news and entertainment ” as in “ the media .” For the purposes of this report , media is defined as “ all means of communication , whatever its format ” ( Reid , 1994 , p . 51 ). In this sense , media include symbol systems as diverse as print , graphics , animation , audio , and motion pictures .
Similarly , technology has many definitions ranging from “ the application of the scientific method to solve problems as in ‘ the technology of space exploration ’” to “ the things or processes which embody knowledge or craft within a culture as in ‘ the technology of writing ’.” Within this report , technology is defined as “ any object or process of human origin that can be used to convey media .” In this sense , technology includes phenomena as diverse as books , films , television , and the Internet .
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