Kozma vs Clark

    

    Overall this was an interesting debate to learn about. Clark says, “Instructional media are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes changes in our nutrition" (p 445). Whereas, Kozma believes "the learner strategically manages the available cognitive resources by extracting information from the environment and integrating it with information already stored in memory" (p.179).  Kozma explains how different types of media affect the learner in unique ways.

    Initially I didn't think much about what side I would take, because it was obvious to me that technology influences learning in so many ways. Technology is used everywhere for almost everyone. It is widely used for educators to communicate with their learners and employers with their employees. However, once I dove more about this debate I started thinking more about Clarks side.

    I had a hard time picking a side of this debate. I agree more with Kozma’s approach that the media does influence learning, and if there isn't proof that it doesn't then the information isn't out yet. However, I believe further research is sometimes needed after learning about media, but media is often the initial component to learning something new. This is similar to the claim of Clark that media is a “vehicle” to learning. Overall, I believe that media is a big component in learning and would side with Kozma.