Methods & Media

Methods or Media?

Each have their benefits, but which overall should we focus on more? We will be comparing these two and leaving the reader to decided which they believe is "better".

What Does Media Mean?

Media or Medium is a term we use to explain, where the learning takes place (e.g. online classroom or a face to face classroom)

What Does Methods Mean?

Methods is a term we use to explain, how the work is done (e.g. playing a game, doing an assignment, or taking notes.)

Learning Objectives

Learning objectives are a term we use beforehand to decided what we want the student to achieve. Learning Objects are detailed, they are exactly what the teachers goal is for the student. Typically, learning objectives are behavioral functions, but can also be cognitive.

Here are some examples:

Student will recognize when others are hurt
Students will define appropriate and inappropriate behavior
Students will talk when called on

Learning Tasks

What about the task? Learning tasks are a term we use to explain the steps in which a student uses to learn. The Bloom Taxonomy chart explains it clearly.

Not every learning task needs to be present in every activity. Sometimes you will simply want students to be able to remember a list of facts and have them be able to recite them back.

Clark (Ethan's edit: these are MYTHS that he debunks!)

Some media enhances learning more than others
Newer media is more motivating
Highly active visual and auditory screen design techniques enhance motivation and learning.
Providing problem-based discovery instruction and high levels of learner control will increase learning and motivation.
Available instructional design models are adequate for the complex knowledge presented in many online courses.
Formatting instruction so that it is compatible with various "learning styles" will increase learning.

Mayer

Believes in multimedia learning
Learning from words and pictures

What is multimedia learning?

Multimedia learning is learning from words and pictures. The words can be printed text or spoken text. The pictures can be in static form, such as illustrations, photos, diagrams, charts, or maps, or in dynamic form, such as animation or video. Examples of multimedia learning include watching and listening to a narrated animation, reading a science textbook, playing an educational video game, or attending a Power-Point presentation

Students Learning From Games

Using games (Civilization, Minecraft Edu Edition) to teach certain learning objectives.
The game and systems form the learning environment.
Games are usually designed to be intrinsically motivating. (Some can be extrinsic as well)
Assessments take place in-game.
The content of the lesson is adjusted to fit the game.

Using Game Elements in Teaching (Gamification)

Adding game aspects (badges, EXP, unlockable rewards) to a lesson.
Gameplay will not always be involved in the learning environment.
Most likely tied to an extrinsic motivator, such as a grade.
The assessment is not within the "game".
Game-like aspects are adjusted to fit the lesson content.

Now, with all of this information, which one do you think is more important? Methods or Media?

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