I haven’t had a stats class or a comparative analysis class, so most of it (the minutia of the analysis itself) didn’t make a lot of sense to me. In fact, this reading selection was quite painful to wade through.
However, the few points that did make it through my head were:
1. It’s really not what an instructor does with the instructional medium that counts, it’s what the learner does with the medium that is of importance. The medium at that point becomes not just transparent, but transformative and actually aids the learner in achieving their learning goals.
2. Using computer-mediated communication (CMC) may increase reflection and the development of better writing skills. It is also postulated that CMC can promote critical thinking skills.
3. “The results of this meta-analysis provide general support for the claim that effective DE depends on the provision of pedagogical excellence.” Well, DUH! In my mind, effective DE has always depended upon the quality of the instructional design. The media used to deliver the instruction is very important and can enhance (or detract) from the instructional message. However, if you don’t get the instructional message designed correctly, no amount of bells and whistles from the media will change that fact.
The other thing that gets me is the age of this article and its sources. Are there no more recent examples of empirical literature on the subject? We all know the field has changed substantially in just the past couple of years. Where are more recent studies?
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2 comments:
Leisa, I also felt the same way you felt I sifted through the statistical numbers.
After reading the article, I wanted to steal the line from James Carville, "It's the Design, Stupid." Although, I am not a big proponent of using the term stupid when referring to people.
Kerry
Great 3 point summation of a somewhat painful article. Since the article was published in 2004, technology tools and their use have become easier for all. But they are still tools and you are correct-if the message isn't sound, the effectiveness of the education will suffer.
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