Choosing &
Using Technologies in Education & Training
Technologies for Teaching and Learning
Text for Learning
Most teaching involves the use of text,
traditionally in printed learning materials and published
works, and now in electronic form as well. The technical
requirements of each medium demand different design
strategies and skills, and what works well in one medium may
be difficult to use in the other. It is therefore unwise to
assume that pre-existing hard copy text can be
equally flexible or useable in electronic form, and vice
versa.
Print Materials
Everyone is familiar with print, but that
does not mean it is out of date. Print materials can be used
anywhere, at any time, are easy to transport and relatively
cheap to produce and update. They are also easy to use. Print
materials therefore continue to be extensively used, whether
as the main medium of instruction, as an adjunct to classes,
or in conjunction with newer technologies. They can stand
alone as guided, interactive materials or form background
reference, for learners of varying degrees of sophistication.
They demand no technical skills. Print materials do, however,
require literacy, and the literacy level of learners is one
of the critical factors in deciding whether to use this
medium. But print can be used even in literacy teaching, in
conjunction with face to face interaction and other methods
such as audio conferencing.
Facsimile technology now enables fast
transmission of materials - especially assignments - between
remote students and a central teaching location. Fax can also
be used to provide update material to students, for sharing
work-in-progress and carrying out group tasks.
World Wide Web
The World Wide Web, which provides an easy
to use location for Internet resources, is developing rapidly
as a means of locating and accessing program material and
interactive tuition. Learning materials, further reading and
pointers to other sources can be located on the
organisations home page, which can also be used to
access discussion groups and to e-mail to teachers and
others. Increasingly sophisticated graphics, audio and video
material can be accessed through the World Wide Web, thus
making it suitable for any of the purposes served by text and
still or moving visuals.
The equipment required is a computer, modem
and telephone line, but a faster computer and a high-speed
modem are needed for a satisfactory service, thus increasing
the cost. Many people require support to install the software
and configure it to work properly, plus a degree of
confidence in computer usage.
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