Education through Media
Jeff Hopkins
With the entrance of new technologies education has proven to transcend through many different types of obstacles. Education has been able to evolve over the years to appeal toward students and teachers of various situations and in turn further their knowledge and development. According to J. Reisslein, P. Seeling and M. Reisslein, While taking advantage of certain internet abilities, people are able to learn by watching high speed videos or listening to audio recordings and Podcasts wherever they choose (2005). In turn, internet media has become a convenient and cost effective way to educate in specific areas of work and life.
By using the internet to view educational videos, students are able to learn whenever and wherever they choose, even in the comforts of one’s home. A perfect example of this education is found in the Oakland Intermediate School District and their use of web-based television programs. Through the school districts network, 28 different districts have been connected to these programs and have given students a chance to learn in various fields of study (Shepard-Owsley 2008). According to Shepard-Owsley in 2008, more than 245,000 assessments have been made for students in mathematics, social sciences, English, language arts, world languages, and physical and special education. The amazing part is that these assessments are results of progressive learning through this channel of media and all districts are able to interact with this tool.
Not only is there a capability for education through video, but there are opportunities through audio recordings and Podcasting. There are many different organizations and educators that use this form of media regularly to advance their lesson plans and agenda toward people. Through specifically Podcasting, students are able to learn by downloading lectures or audio books right to their computer or iPod. This is a beneficial and cost effective way to advancing knowledge through the internet. Also, according to Gardener Campbell, distributing a podcast is actually very simple and easy to set up through the internet. The way that podcasting is so beneficial is the mobility of the media. Once downloaded onto an iPod, a student is able to listen to the lecture or recording while walking to class or even commuting to and from places. By using this method of learning, students are able to advance their knowledge without being tied down to a computer or a book. Podcasting is changing the dimensions of learning.
Education is a major part of the development of our society and advancing the ways we are able to learn has proven beneficial through the internet. By creating new and innovative ways to learn through the web, the limitations of education seem to dissipate. This is exemplified through the technologies of video and podcasting, but they are just the beginning of how education advancing through the internet.
Reference List
J. Reisslein, P. Seeling & M. Reisslein. 2004. Video in distance education: ITFS vs. web-streaming: Evaluation of student attitudes. Internet and Higher Education. 8, pp 24-44.
G. Campbell. 2005. There’s something in the air: Podcasting in education. Educause Review. Pp 33-46.
L. Shepard-Owsley. 2008. New technologies helping educators, students, and parents. Spinal Column Newsweekly. http://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/Articles-i-2008-11-12-56462.113117_New_technologies_helping_educators_students_and_parents.html
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3 comments:
Nice post, online education certainly has great potential to develop as technology gets cheaper and more readily available. Like I mentioned in another post, the digital divide could potentially be a huge issue when It comes to online education. Those without online access or those who are unable to navigate web content because of a disability would be at a serious disadvantage when It comes to online education (Thurlow, Lengel, Tomic, 2004). While it certainly has it's place in the education system I think it will still be quite a while before we see the full potential of what online education can bring. Once digital divide issue get sorted out I think it will be amazing.
Thurlow, C., Lengel, L. & Tomic, A. (2004). Computer-mediated communication: Social interaction and the internet. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.
I wonder how much new media is contributing to adults participating in accredited higher learning? I think of people, like my aunt, who are finishing their bachelors degree years later. She chose to put school on hold to become a wife and mother with only one semester of school left. However, through the advances of technology and new media, she is now completing her college degree from her own living room using a computer.
Another thing I observe is the number of earphones I see on adolescents and adults alike. I always wonder what people are listening to. I like to think that more often than not, people are listening to podcasts of some value outside of pop culture.
It is incredible to think how far education has come since our parents or even older siblings have been in school. Not only are online classes available at every school, there are colleges that are completely online and don't meet in person.
With the technology available, lectures can be watched on television feeds, or online through videos or slideshows. Online communication in education has done wonders to sort out the digital divide.
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