Friday, August 24, 2012

Difference between technology and media

Explain the difference between technology and media. What is the role of each in K-12 eLearning environments?

In your own words, explain the difference between technology and media. What is the role of each in K-12 eLearning environments?

Technology is a broad term dealing with the use and knowledge of tools and crafts. A teacher may use the computer, distance education hardware, or the internet for instruction. Technology is used to promote learning either in the classroom or distance. In the same way, media is also used to enhance teaching and learning. However the purpose of media is to facilitate communication and learning. Therefore I think technologies are tools to present and store medium.

Computer is the most common used technology in 21st century. Students can use computer to watch video clip on YouTube, read a book, listen to radio station and using education software. In fact, YouTube, book, radio, software are different types of medium.
 

In current eLearning environment, teachers use media to present information, such as video clips, webpages, software, Skype, chat room and so on. However students have to use technology to get access to those media. At the same time, teachers need technology to create those media.