Praxis Makes Perfect

I read a great little post by David Buckingham (click here) today about the role of digital media in schools. The post brings to bear many of the popular arguments made in the media and learning debate. I thought I’d share some of my thoughts:

1. What we know: Digital media does not improve (or negatively impact) students’ learning. In fact most good studies show no significant differences in student learning from using media or traditional classrooms. Mr. Buckingham writes about those who champion the use of media in learning that, “They see the more playful, democratic forms of learning offered by games or online communities as infinitely preferable to the traditional, authoritarian approach of schools.” If we’re concerned about how well students learn, then this is a weak argument. (EDIT: see some good articles about media and learning, and pedagogy below)
2. What I think: I think the above quote sheds light on how digital media can enhance our qualitative EXPERIENCE of learning. Maybe using media may be more engaging, fun, and enjoyable. These are important aspects of learning, but if using digital media is separated from solid pedagogy (what many pundits often call boring, traditional teaching practices) it becomes meaningless.
3. Mr. Buckingham makes a great point that schools are not “out”. In fact school is deeply ingrained into the social, cultural, and economic flows of our society. It will take a full on revolution and upheaval of many of our (humankind) cultural norms to replace school with playing games on the Internet.

In all, the time is ripe right now for new thinkers to clearly define the role of digital media in schools. Throw away the weak arguments. Media does not improve learning. Games are not superior ways to learn than some traditional pedagogies like role modeling or plain showing someone how to do something. Media is not inherently more “democratic” (what does that term mean anyway), but particular uses of it may open up opportunities for students to interact with other people. Economic arguments about having “digital skills” are also weak. The kindergarten students of today will need far different digital skills when they graduate from college than we do now… so why do we need to TEACH them how to use the Internet or blog? Many will likely learn and adapt on their own.

Digital media is clearly an innovative and engaging tool. However, justifying its use in schools will require far more clear and coherent arguments than are currently discussed. Does anyone have any ideas?

EDIT: Some articles to read.

Bernard, R. M., Abrami, P. C., Lou, Y., Borokhovski, E., Wade, A., Wozney, L., Wallet, P. A., Fiset, M., & Huang, B. (2004). How does distance education compare with classroom instruction? A meta-analysis of the empirical literature. Review of Educational Research, 74(3), 379-439.

Clark, R. E. (1983). Reconsidering research on learning from media. Review of Educational Research, 53(4), 445-459.

Kozma, R. B. (1994). Will media influence learning? Reframing the debate. Educational Technology, Research, and Development, 42(2), 7-19.

Kirschner, P. A., Sweller, J, & Clark, R. E. (2006). Why minimal guidance during instruction does not work: An analysis of the failure of constructivist, discovery, problem-based, experiential, and inquiry-based teaching. Educational Psychologist, 41(2), 75-86.