6. Selecting the technologies to be used

Bates (1996) outlines a practical strategy for selecting instructional technologies called the ACTION model of decision-making criteria:

• Accessibility: Will students be able to easily access and use the media?

• Cost: How cost effective is the technology?

• Teaching: Is the technology a viable way for achieving the learning objectives?

• Interactivity: Does the technology support interactive activities for learners?

• Organization: Is the institution organized to support this use of technology?

• Novelty: Will the technology interest learners or be overwhelming to use?

Note: You may wish to select one or more potential technologies for consideration. Then, as the project progresses finalize your selection as you progress through the succeeding stages in the development process.

Please refer to Bates' book, cited below, for a thorough analysis of the characteristics and application of the following instructional technologies: television, print, audiotapes, two-way audio transmission, computer-based instruction, and computer mediated communication. These are the shells within which media such as graphics, audio, animation, text, and movies might be delivered.

Once the communications technologies and related media have been identified, you have established the necessary parameters to guide the development of the resources for your course.

References

Bates, A. (1995) Technology, Open Learning and Distance Education. London: Routledge

© 2002 Academic Technologies for Learning, University of Alberta.

Alternatives to the Online Lecture
Illinois Online Network

Effective uses of online course tools
Virginia Tech

Teaching methods and techniques for computer-mediated communication
Morten Flate Paulsen