Contributions of Media to the Learning Process

Roxan C. BulaongBEED - II

Contributions of Media to the Learning Process

It has actually taken a long time before educators began to accept and integrate instructional media within the instructional programs. Recently, there has been increasing evidence results take place when carefully designed, high quality instructional media are used as an integral part of classroom instruction or as principal means of direct instruction.

The outcomes often realized are:

1) The deliver y of instruction can be more standardized. Each student seeing and hearing a media presentation receives more or less the same message. Media serves to communicate the same information to all students as the basis for further study, practice and application.

2) The instruction can be more interesting. The attention-getting factor associated with instructional media keeps learners alert during the learning process.

3) Learning becomes more interactive through applying accepted learning theory.

Media design can see to it that the subject content can be organized and presented in a manner that represents good instruction. Attention is also given to psychological principles which can enhance learner participation, feedback and reinforcement.

4) The length of time required for instruction can be reduced.

Most media presentation requires a short time to transmit their message while communicating large amount of information which can be more easily absorbed by the learner.

5) The quality of learning can be improved.

Through careful integration of pictures and words, instructional media can communicate elements of knowledge in a well-organized, specific, and clearly defined manner. Learning reaches and acceptable competency level resulting from suitable study effort on the part of the student and appropriate follow-up activities.

6) The instruction can be provided when and where desired or necessary.

Instructional media may be designed for individual use. In this manner, a student can study at a time and place that is personally convenient.

7) The positive attitude of students toward what they are learning and to the learning process itself can be enhanced.

Students generally prefer the use of media as a means of studying. This is due to the motivational aspect and the contribution that media can make to a person’s effective learning.

8) The role of the instruction can be appreciably changed in positive directions

The use of media is also advantageous for instructor:

a) Much of the burden for repeated explanation of content and

b) By not having to present as much information verbally, other possible more important aspects of a subject can be given attention.

c) The instructor can increase the opportunity for him to fulfill the role of being a consultant and advisor to students.