As previously discussed in the blog entitled, “Are You Looking for Product Development?,” digital media (e.g., audio) assists product developers in communicating content information to users (Smaldino, et al., 2019). Products integrating media, such as educational or news podcasts that utilize audio as a medium, are created and supported by specific technological tools, hence the media is in technology. Podcasts require tools such as microphones for development, and additional tools, such as web pages, blogs, or apps for carrying the information. Media and technologies share a symbiotic relationship that can result in the transmittal of information that satisfies needs, such as the development of a digital product-based solution that addresses a learner identified problem.
The Simplicity and Complexity of Media
Developed products can range from simple to more complex, and from the integration of a medium to the incorporation of multimedia. The following are examples of digital product development opportunities, and each should integrate problem-solving, media and emerging technologies, and learner knowledge and skill acquisition (i.e., learner-centered) in consideration of content context, instructional goals, and learning outcomes for effective instruction.
YouTube videos embodying instructional strategies
Digital posters incorporating various media and including hyperlinks
Gamified websites for product engagement, immersion, and interactivity
Massive open online courses (MOOCs) for online teaching and learning modules
An additional example, demonstrating a more multifarious product, is the Media in Tech website, constructed as a product to aid instructional designers in developing teaching and learning strategies for project development that ultimately fulfill group and societal needs. This website is a conglomeration of products created to problem-solve, including a blog, feature articles, research articles, a comprehensive problem-solving instructional design model, and upcoming online workshops. Furthermore, this website can potentially integrate other products such as podcasts, slideshow presentations, or webinars. The Media in Tech website is, accordingly, composed of products within a product.
Digital Media Selection
Although types of media formats or categories differ among research studies, some commonalities include text, audio, visuals (e.g., photos, digital graphics), and video, and more recently, categories such as animation. These are the current digital media focus of Media in Tech.
Many digital products include a mix of various media (i.e., multimedia) for more impactful learning. It has been said that "a picture is worth a thousand words," and studies show that people, in general, are not taking time to read large portions of text at once, primarily due to lifestyle. The time spent on a website page, for example, has been shown to average a little over 50 seconds, according to the situation. It is, therefore, incumbent on instructional designers to explore media as a means to establish more effective instruction.
Digital media, however, must be appropriately selected for effective teaching and learning. Considerations in media selection include:
Learner proficiencies and the learning environment, including learner outcomes
Content concept
Technological tools
Instructional strategies
Method of presentation or delivery
Final Note
Effective communication and assimilation of content knowledge (e.g., lecture, learner-centered acquisition strategies, media applications) is the foundation of higher-order thinking. Digital media can assist instructional designers in delivering an effective product to learners (i.e., teaching) and learners in developing product-based solutions (i.e., learning), both with the support of appropriate technological tools. For optimal learning, strong consideration should be given to media selection strategies that support instructional goals and learning outcomes. When these combine, teaching is enhanced, and learning is optimized.
REFERENCES
Smaldino, S.E., Lowther, D.L., & Mims, C. (2019). Instructional technology and media for
learning (12th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.
