Media (is) the message?

Technology is everywhere in the world we live in and continues to progress as the years pass by. Does technology influence student learning? This is the debate that has been going on between Clark and Kozma for years. Clark believes that media is a way to deliver instruction and will not influence learning and student achievement while Kozma believes that there is a relationship between media and learning.

I agree with Kozma and believe that his argument does a better job at recognizing how 21^st Century learners learn.  I believe that how and what we learn can and is influenced by the media and that through technology students are able to have greater achievement. Kozma makes a valid point and discusses how technology changes over time, which means it is important as librarians and educators that we take the time to understand how this impacts future generations of students. Over time, as technology changes so have the way students learn and grow. As educators, we are now living in a 21^st century world where learners have used technology from a young age and have grown up with the knowledge of how to use technology in a way that best supports them. They’re lives have been emerged with technology and influenced by the media and resulted in them being referred to “digital natives” as they are more aware of the differing technology and its benefits.

Learners have grown up with having access to books, computers, television, Ipads, smart phones, and internet connections that they can use for communication with others, gaining information and entertainment. With the ability to have access to these devices, they are able to use webcams, apps, social media sites, and access the news, pictures, magazines, videos, and more. Media allow users to learn information through books, computers, television, and other multimedia applications.

The topic of technology was brought up recently while discussing with some fellow educators and I can’t help but think of how much technology has truly influenced this generation of learners. Children are learning more things from the internet and television than I have ever seen before beginning as babies, who are learning words, how to read, their colors. My friend’s daughter loved her Baby Einstein videos growing up and does a better job at working her mommy’s smartphone than she does it without needing an instruction book.  Adults who may not have grown up with some of the same technologies are also learning with technology on how to cook a meal, change a car battery, or even solve a math problem. Different types of media and technology also have an advantage in the classroom as they help learners learn new skills like computer programs and basic skills, help to reinforce the content area skill that is being taught and can allow a learner to think creatively when addressing a higher order question.

Media is going to continue to change and impact the way people learn as the years pass. I love how there are different programs and technology resources that I can access to learn material or my students can access for educational purposes to help their learning progress. Media is important and will continue to be an important piece that is integrated into the daily lives of educators and learners as technology continues to progress. It will be important for me as a librarian to teach and give support to those who need help integrating technology and understand that media has an influence on the learning that takes place.

Resources:

Kozma, R.B. (1994). The influence of Media on Learning: The Debate Continues. School Library Media Quarterly, 22(4). Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/aaslpubsandjournals/slr/edchoice/SLMQ_InfluenceofMediaonLearning_InfoPower.pdf

The media debate. (2012,August 30). Retrieved from http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/The_media_debate