Media and technology are powerful influences in education that can transform learning. By understanding the meaning of media and technology and its relationship with one another can pave the way to discern its impact and influence on education and learning.
I defined media and technology interchangeably in my life. Being a marketing professional for more than ten years, I would use the term media when I was planning to launch a campaign. I would often use a trimedia approach, meaning I will carry out promotional activities in television, radio and print. As a parent, I would always hear advice from our pediatrician and parent educator to limit or stop my children’s exposure to technological devices like cell phones, tablets, television and laptop because of the harm it can do to their brain development. With my learning in this module, I have come to realize and appreciate the differences between media and technology and how they are linked together. Technology is only an aspect of the media yet the media depends on technology. Technology provides different tools from which media like text, graphics, audio are delivered. Media has meaning either good or bad that is communicated by the creator and interpreted by the receiver through the use of technology. Learners can benefit with proper approach to media and technology. Learning can expand beyond what is happening in the classroom and nurture self learning or learner centered instructions.
The different beneficial effects of media can only be utilized if educators have acknowledged its role in their classrooms. We are now living, learning and teaching in the digital age, technology should be seen as a tool in learning. Educators need to know how to utilize media, through using appropriate design, incorporating old and new and applying different combinations to facilitate learning. There are different educational effects of different media that educators should always take into consideration. Hence, knowing the needs of each of the learners is important and should be the starting point of using media to facilitate learning.
In this time of pandemic, I see numerous learning resources being offered to continue students learning in the absence of face to face instruction. Now more than ever, media and technology is playing a critical role in education and learning. Educators are being equipped to redesign their classroom in a digital environment. Different technologies are utilized like printed modules, cellphones, tablets and computers. I am grateful that our educational system together with educators are adapting for our students. But it is not just about adapting, it is important that our educational systems, private and public should evolve. It is not simply transferring the learning activities that work in the classroom settings to a digital environment. Printed modules can work but the design of the media like text and graphics should also deliver the desired learning outcomes.
This pandemic can be an opportunity to design materials and utilize new methods of instruction that can also provide quality learning environments. Quality learning environment means providing rich experiences for the learners. It can be hands-on experiences or experiences of other people sharing the same goal. Several theories of learning like social learning, behavioral and constructivism supports the facilitating learning through experience. I remember I used different media in homeschooling my children. Before our family’s move to the Philippines, I included in our activities reading books about the Philippines, we also showed pictures of Mommy, Daddy and relatives living in the Philippines, watched videos and listened to children’s songs that was a great help in learning and adjusting to living in the Philippines.
With a clear understanding of the meaning, role and influences of both technology and media in learning, I am optimistic on how our education system will continually evolve to address the different learning styles and needs of learners. It is clear that technology and media are not the enemy but a powerful learning resource that should be thoughtfully designed with the learners in mind.
Charry's Teaching Odyssey 