Taking a Fighter Jet to the Grocery Store: A Model of Media Technology Integration in Distributed Learning Environments
Sunday June 21, 2008
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Description
We may not question the assumptions of using a transportation technology like a car or minivan to the grocery store because general-purpose tools fit our needs for so many tasks. Technologies designed for highly specialized tasks have been often adopted and used, but rarely well adapted, for the many needs of distance learning environments. Much of the work being done in technology integration focuses on the newest, flashiest distance education tools without a critical conceptual understanding of how new media affects knowledge construction. Making an assumption that “new” and “cool” are not outcomes for technology integration plans, which media types best match the instructional needs of distributed learning systems?
This interactive workshop is based on a conceptual analysis, using information processing and knowledge construction models, of historical models of distributed learning environments. By examining what strategies fit DL environment needs, and which ones proved to be a mismatch, we come up with a set of criteria for examining media technologies in distance learning. Emerging technologies that use social connections and contributions to build learning contexts have been applied to a variety educational settings with varied success. By analyzing the dimensions of Web 2.0, and other related technologies, instructional designers and content specialists can see where the puzzle pieces fit into a larger framework.
Only by examining the distinct capabilities and impact of different media technologies in education can we improve the quality of their use. The emerging technologies being deployed today across every type of learning community are quickly being adapted to purposes for which they were not originally designed. The Internet (an infrastructure built to support time-sharing on mainframes) is the home of the World Wide Web (created so physicists could share research data) linking networks of information devices (that were themselves designed as typing, telephone, and broadcast devices). The landscape is changing as educational contexts are evolving. Improving the quality of these educational environments requires evidence-based ways to adapt technologies to support learning and teaching. This workshop will provide a model for evaluating and improving the adoption and adaptation of these technologies.
Eric Wignall is the Coordinator of the Center for Online Teaching & Learning and Assistant Professor of Digital Media at Governors State University in University Park, Illinois. He has over 20 years of experience with educational technologies, communication systems, and research in media and technology.
Presenters
