Instructors can function as guides to sources of knowledge, navigating a new educational domain, the information network. Interactive methods combine holistic and analytic techniques to help build in safeguards against the uses of informational media for propaganda or commercial exploitation of the learner. The use of the media for educational purposes has historically served to broaden access to knowledge. An understanding of the new medium can be achieved by observing carefully how teaching methods are being altered to improve learning. It may helpful, therefore, to focus briefly on some basic learning processes and attempt to evaluate how information technology can contribute to their enhancement.
Most subject matters require moments of guided study of primary observed data or original material.
Students benefit from instructional sequences based on the mentor s knowledge of learning development. Well-designed computer courseware incorporates this knowledge and provides enhanced ease of access to instructional sources and sequences. The computer is also used to vary the instructional sequence according to individual learning styles, offering semi-linear variations on instruction with options for learner control. The computer can also collect information on the learning process and offer data for course improvement, student guidance and empirical research. The Relational Learning Mode Meaningful learning requires that information be contextualized and that the student discover relationships with other areas of knowledge.