Essential to all distance education experiences is an appropriate use of instructional technology. With this technology comes a variety of media that can be used to communicate messages. Instructional Media (EDD 7005) provides the opportunity to explore these media. Prior to discussing media, it is important to distinguish the difference between a technology and a medium. In the world of fine arts, a technology of art would be a drawing. The media for the drawing would be charcoal, ink, watercolor, acrylic, and oil. Similarly with technology, audio would be a technology with narration, sound effects, and soundtracks as media.

Although it is important to distinguish between technology and media, it is important not to compare media or put too much weight on the media. Richard E. Clark is credited for causing great discussion on this topic when an article of his on this topic was published in 1983. Clark (2001) stated “that media are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes changes in our nutrition” (p. 2). In other words, Clark is saying unhealthy groceries remain unhealthy regardless of how they are delivered and similarly, ill-designed instruction remains poor regardless of the media used for communicating. Conversely, well-designed instruction maintains its effectiveness through all forms of media.

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This page last updated: December 15, 2006