Functions of Media/technology

What precisely do we need technology for? Seven functions stand out. It must be clear that one does not merely add technology to the teaching and learning situation. One adds technology for a purpose. Here are seven purposes; seven things that technology can do for education.

1. Technology can be used to solve a particular identified TASK

• Internet: wikihow
• YouTube: How to fold a shirt

2. Technology can provide REALISM

• Film: Paul Tomkowicz.
• Internet:

3. Technology can provide INFORMATION

• Video: Video courses,
• Print: textbooks
• Internet: ubiquitous
• Training videos

4. Technology can provide an AESTHETIC function, and become a work of art in its own right.

• Begone Dull Care featuring Norman Mclaren with a sound track by the late Canadian jazz great, Oscar Peterson.
• Audio: Music. (eg. archival recordings)

5. Technology is a DELIVERY system

6. Technology provides MOTIVATION. Media Motivate. Technology motivates. Potentially, kids like working with media and technology. If it can be integrated in pedagogic functions, it makes learning fun too.

7. Technology is a tool for COMMUNICATION.

• Blogger
• Nicenet
• Google Docs
• Google notebook