Role of Technology and Media

in Education
*Introduction to educational media and technology
* Learning Styles

INTRODUCTION AND DEFINTION OF TERMS

Technology
This is the term that most people use to
describe gadgets, instrument machines and
devices.

However, most educators believe that

technology means computers

“Technology… is not a collection of things

and devices but a way of acting” (Muffoletta, 1994,
as cited in Roblyer, p.6)
A Definition of Educational
Technology
 Educational Technology is a combination of
the processes and tools involved in addressing
educational needs and problems, with an
emphasis on applying the most current tools:
computers and their related technologies
(Roblyer, 2003, p.6)

The “application of technological processes and

tools which can be used to solve problems of
instruction and learning” (Seels and Richey, 1994,
p.4)
Educational Media
Channels of communication that carry
messages with an instructional purpose

The different ways and means by which

information can be delivered or
experienced by a learner
Why use Technology in Education?

Motivation

Unique Instructional capabilities

Support for new instructional approaches

Increased teacher productivity

Skills for the information age

 Motivation

Gaining the attention of learners

Engaging students through production work

Increasing perceptions of control

Unique Instructional Capabilities
 Providing learner access to education and information
sources

 Helping learners visualize problems and solutions.

 Tracking learner progress.

 Linking learners to learning tools.

 Support for New Instructional
Approaches

Cooperative learning

Shared intelligence

Problem solving and higher level skills

 Increased Teacher Productivity
Freeing time to work with students by helping
with production and record keeping tasks.

 Providing accurate information quickly.

Allow teachers to produce better looking student

friendly teaching materials
LEARNING
STYLES
Learning Styles
Many people recognize that each person
prefers different learning styles and
techniques.

Learning styles group common ways that

people learn.

Everyone has a mix of learning styles.

The Seven Learning Styles
Visual (spatial):You prefer using pictures, images, and spatial
understanding.
Aural (auditory-musical): You prefer using sound and music.
Verbal (linguistic): You prefer using words, both in speech and
writing.
Physical (kinesthetic): You prefer using your body, hands and
sense of touch.
Logical (mathematical): You prefer using logic, reasoning and
systems.
Social (interpersonal): You prefer to learn in groups or with
other people.
Solitary (intrapersonal): You prefer to work alone and use
self-study
Why understand learning styles?
Your preferred styles guide the way you
learn.

They also change the way you internally

represent experiences, the way you recall
information, and even the words you
choose.
Why understand learning styles?
Research shows us that each learning
style uses different parts of the brain.
By involving more of the brain during
learning, we remember more of what we
learn.
Researchers using brain-imaging
technologies have been able to find out
the key areas of the brain responsible for
each learning style.
Further Reading & Review
IntegratingEducational Technology into
Teaching by Roblyer Chapter 1, p.5-28.
Educational Technology for Teaching and
Learning by Timothy J. Newby et al.
Learning Styles retrieved from
http://www.learning-styles-online.com/overview
/

Learning Styles and Preferences retrieved from

http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/styles.ht
ml