Film, video and still photography should no longer be viewed as neutral carriers of information. The examination of issues concerning the use of technology is especially important when designing courses for distance education. There are six factors that are particularly critical and need to be considered. In order to distinguish the characteristics of the communications technologies currently being used in distance education it is necessary to adopt a classification system, although any classification system may not remain current for very long with the constant development of new technologies. Media and Course Design.
Media are the forms of communication associated with particular ways of representing knowledge.
Therefore, each medium has its own unique way of presenting knowledge, and organizing it which is reflected in particular formats or styles of presentation. Each medium, however, can usually be carried by more than one technology. For example, the audio medium can be carried by audiocassettes, radio, and telephone, while the television medium can be carried by broadcasting, videocassettes, videodiscs, cable, satellite, fiber optics, ITFS and microwave. Therefore, a variety of different technologies may be used to deliver one medium. One way technologies such as radio and broadcast television, do not provide opportunities for interaction, while two-way technologies such as videoconferencing or interactive television, allow for interaction between learners and instructors and among learners themselves.