Medium or Method?

(posted 20 Mar 2014)

Question one: Is it the use of digital tools themselves or is it the design of lessons utilising these tools that enhances learning?

While research on the actual advantages of elearning in comparison to more traditional methods of delivery is somewhat sparse (Wright, 2010), that which does exist suggests learning can be enhanced by the use of digital technology (Ally, 2009; Damoense, 2003; Fletcher, Nicholas, & Davis, 2011). This blog considers whether this may be due to the use of digital tools themselves or the design of lessons utilising these tools.

Student involvement is considered essentail
in modern learning philosophies
(Purick, 2013)

As discussed in my previous blog, Philosophy, some debate exists over the neutrality or otherwise of technology, and similarly over the most advantageous educational philosophy (Kanuka, 2009; Sanders, 2006). In the past two to three decades, learning has been increasingly advocated as a social process, in contrast to earlier notions in which it was viewed as an individual cognitive skill. Various flavours of this shift in philosophy promote the tenet of students’ active involvement in the construction of their own learning, and highlight the importance of dialogue and group interaction, as opposed to students being regarded as passive and socially isolated recipients of imparted knowledge (Balatti, Black & Falk, 2009; Mason & Rennie, 2008; Papen, 2005).

Web 2.0 - inherently participatory
(Owen, 2013)

Almost simultaneously, the world of the internet has been opened up to the masses, with an unheralded social interconnectivity made possible through digital means. Web tools have progressed from Web 1.0 – where the objective leaned toward imparting information from authoritative sources – to Web 2.0 – which offers various platforms such as wikis and blogs, inviting group participation and contribution (Lankshear & Knobel, 2006). Kop and Hill (2008) liken the resulting construct to a shared distribution of knowledge across a network of multiple contributors.

One suspects then that the serendipitous intersection of the advance of digital tools favouring a collaborative learning environment, and a teaching pedagogy advocating the same, has resulted in a mode of teaching that is increasingly endorsed and adopted as a effective teaching platform.

However, as Wright (2010) cautions, research suggests that where there has been evidence of the enhancement of learning utilising this platform, this is typically only evident when lessons present opportunity for engagement with authentic, relevant material, and invite active group participation. Conversely, tutorials and courses where content is merely presented on a web page as opposed to on a blackboard are unlikely to demonstrate significant improvement in student outcomes (Wright, 2010). This suggests it is not solely the technology per se that leads to improved attainment.

Multimedia presentation may
capture the interest of more students
(Conceito.de, 2014)

On the other hand, it is worthwhile considering that elearning may be inherently more engaging and motivating than tuition using traditional teaching tools. This could be the case especially for some students – particularly younger students, and those who are already comfortable with computer use or who are confident to explore unfamiliar environments (Davis & Fletcher, 2010). It is also possible, as suggested by Bonk and Zhang (2007), that the multimedia approach afforded by web tools may appeal to a greater range of learning styles and therefore capture the interest of a wider range of students. In that case, the tools themselves may indeed prove more attractive and hence more motivating than the traditional 'chalk and blackboard' milieu.

Also of consideration is the possibility that, particularly where Web 2.0 tools are utilised, feelings of empowerment may be heightened due to the first-hand experience of ‘having a voice’ by virtue of the ability to participate in online dialogue and engage in the self-publication of material. Further, the judicious adoption of Web 2.0 tools may also proffer viable avenues for extending students’ existing and new networks. Research suggests that these less tangible learning effects are important ‘soft’ outcomes of LLN tutoring, especially for second-chance adult learners (Balatti, Black, & Falk, 2006; Cookson, Menist, & Rice, 2007; Zepke & Leach, 2010). As such, the medium of digital technology itself may evidence more positive learning outcomes due to the comparative ease with which it lends itself to these ends.

In conclusion, it may be simplistic to conclude that either the use of digital technology or lesson content enhances results.  Rather, it seems more likely that both the medium and a lesson design that takes advantage of possibilities afforded by the technology conjointly contribute to improving learning outcomes. However, regardless of the teaching platform utilised, common sense would dictate that tutors endeavour to put into place best practice recommendations for lesson design to facilitate optimal outcomes for students, and this is a subject that will be explored in my next blog.

Link to References