Clark vs. Kozma

It is an interesting process when reading two very different perspectives and I would think that these readings may have implications on some of our personal learning theories and/or educational philosophies. I too (like others have indicated in their posts) found myself nodding at certain points (surprising myself) while reading Clark’s “media will never influence learning”- in particular when he says:

“We continue to invest heavily in expensive media in the hope that they will produce gains in learning. When learning gains are found, we attribute them to the delivery medium, not to the active ingredient in instruction. When learning gains are absent, we assume we have chosen the wrong mix of media” (p27).

and especially when he states:

“it cannot be argued that any given medium or attribute must be present in order for learning to occur, only that certain media and attributes are more efficient for certain learners, learning goals and tasks” (p22).

However, I completely disagree with his logic that “media attributes are surface features of learning systems”.  I am more inline with Kozma’s belief that the ‘field of educational technology is re-examining its foundational assumptions and questions” in order to advance the development of this field (p18).  In Module 1 we all pretty much agreed that ET is in a constant state of flux so it is inevitable that there will be conflicts, disagreements and questions.  Honestly, how can Clark say that “Media will Never Influence Learning”?!  Granted these articles are significantly dated but with a title like that who could agree with the man?

Although both Kozma and Clark state that the evidence does not yet support that media influences learning, Clark uses the “Thinkers Tools” research scenario to demonstrate that this evidence is likely to come.

Mayer’s article “Elements of a Science of e-Learning” which was written in 2003 provides a number of research findings to contribute to the reexamination of ET through evidence, theory and applications and states that the cognitive theory of multimedia does influence learning.  There is an abundance of research now that definitely supports and proves that media does influence learning; sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.