Technology is great. However, as instructors, we have a responsibility to create the best learning environment we can in order to optimize our students' learning. Unfortunately, we sometimes lose sight of the learning that must take place as we get sidetracked by the wonderful things that technology can do. Judith Neill of the Wisconsin Technical College System Foundation reminds us that the learning objectives should precede the choice of technology. We need to know what we want the students to know before we can decide on how to accomplish that learning.
Media deliver methods.
Instructional methods can include such techniques as practice, discussion, presentation, demonstration, role-play, questioning, and others. Instructional media are delivery mechanisms such as audio, video, and chat. Media do not in themselves cause learning. It is the design of instructional strategies making appropriate use of the media that encourages learning. Media such as graphics, animation, audio and video clips should be incorporate into lessons ONLY if they enhance and contribute to the material to be learned.