Benefits and Challenges of using Electronic Instructional Material and Media

         There are several ways of looking at electronic instructional material. Media that is electronically delivered can be both a positive and a negative. If the media works and does not detract from the lesson, it can be a positive. If the media stops working, takes a long while to “load”, somehow interferes with student learning or the main objectives; then it could be a negative. Electronic material and media are like any other type of instructional media; if used too frequently or without purpose students may easily get bored.

        

         Electronic media could be a problem if a school or district cannot afford the same media for everyone. If only some classrooms or teachers received the material, it may be difficult for them to work together to collaborate on lessons. Some older buildings may not be able to support the extra wiring needed for projectors or interactive boards. There may also be an issue training teachers how to use any of the electronic material. Some teachers may be set in their ways and not want to implement the newer electronic media. They may feel forced into trying to use the newer technology. If teachers don’t feel comfortable teaching in this way, they may not learn how to effectively use this material and the students may not have any enhanced learning experiences. It may actually have the reverse effect; giving the students the idea that the newer learning materials are just as “boring” as the lectures and worksheets of the past.               

         Some benefits to electronic instructional materials could be a renewed love of learning for the student and the teacher. Some students may learn better using this new method. Electronic learning would allow the student to go places that they may otherwise not be able to visit. A teacher could enhance a lesson by having the students supplement their learning by completing online research. The teacher could develop interactive lessons, computer enhancements, and even use “Clickers” to test for understanding in a different way. Getting the district to invest in some new infrastructure that will support any new enhancements is a great first step. The school could then take it to the next level and allow the teachers to collaborate on lessons and new ways to teach. Thinking outside the box and working on new ways to teach is always a benefit to the students. Whether it is with electronic or traditional methods, students always win when the teachers are working hard to present the best possible lessons.