Organization: PURDUE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Approved-By:  "EDTECH Moderator" <21765EDT@MSU.BITNET>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.edtech
Date:         Fri, 13 Nov 1992 03:15:05 EST
From:         MARK WHITMAN <WHITMAN@PURCCVM.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: multimedia definitions

In response to Michael Gaffney's outline of multimedia in NZ:

It is my understanding that Smith & Jones have replaced virtually all
hands-on in their approach; however, I am not familiar enough to state that
as fact.  Again perhaps a user or someone from the University of Illinois
can give us more particulars.  I have seen presentations by Smith & Jones,
and it is my recollection that the video disk is almost exclusively hands-on
and makes little effort to provide lecture content.  Sort of the complimentary
approach to the one you have described.  Also, have you tried the CHEMED-L
listserv?  I am sure there are many users in this discussion group that could
be of help.

As to your questions, my experience would lead me to answer yes and no.  How's
that for taking a stance <g>?  From what I am finding in my work with K-12
schools using technology is that it uncovers the true range of varied
learning and teaching styles, and it helps to reinforce that there is no
ONE correct way to teach.  Viewing multimedia and other technologies as
tools, the way these tools are being used is a dependent upon the personalities
and skills of the users as much as anything else.  Although we would prefer
to be able to direct neophytes to A SINGLE CORRECT METHOD, the best we can do
is to provide them examples of what has proven to work for others, and let
them adapt the methods to their own personal situation.

A general statement I do feel confident in making is that any learning
environment will always be enriched by the presence of a teacher.  Although
the technology may replace the teacher as the bridge to knowledge, the
presence of the teacher can almost certainly smooth the path in most any
situation.  The question then becomes one of utility.  Does the teacher in
question possess the skills to justify his/her presence, or is this person's
time best spent doing something else?  For some individuals the answer is
yes, and for some no.

To get to the point.  I'm finding that technology is moving us further away
from single solution teaching which promotes specific methods for specific
situations, and that it is in fact increasing our sensitivity to personal
differences.  To me, this is extremely exciting.  For those teacher education
programs which continue to teach the same methods used for the past 50 years,
and which have no resources for change, it can be terrifying.  For those
which consider education to be a dynamic environment, it no doubt presents
a marvelous challenge.

Is your video locally produced?  Do you have any papers describing its
production and use in detail?  If so, how can one obtain reprints?

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**  MARK WHITMAN                                        (317) 463-9130  **
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