PGDE EST 704-Edu Tech. Lecture Series No 10 -Instructional Media

PGDE EST 704-Edu Tech. Lecture Series No 10 -Instructional Media

By 

Olaide Alabi (PhD)

Introduction

Instructional media are important tools used in the teaching-learning process to improve communication, understanding, participation, and retention among learners. In modern education, instructional media go beyond traditional chalk-and-talk methods by incorporating visual, audio, audiovisual, and technological resources that make learning more meaningful and learner-centered.

The growing advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed instructional delivery worldwide. Teachers are now expected to possess competencies in selecting, designing, improvising, utilizing, and evaluating instructional media effectively.

According to Edgar Dale, learners understand and retain concepts better when they are exposed to concrete and multi-sensory experiences. Similarly, Jerome Bruner emphasized that instructional media help learners move from concrete experiences to abstract thinking.

Meaning of Instructional Media

Instructional media are the materials, devices, equipment, and technological tools used to facilitate teaching and learning.

They include:

•           Printed materials

•           Visual aids

•           Audio resources

•           Audiovisual tools

•           Electronic and digital technologies

•           Real-life objects and community resources

Instructional media assist teachers in presenting information clearly while helping learners understand concepts more effectively.

Short Note

Instructional media serve as communication channels between teachers and learners. They simplify complex concepts and improve learners’ attention, motivation, and retention.

Definitions of Instructional Media

Instructional media can be defined as all forms of materials and devices employed to support instructional delivery and improve learning outcomes.

Edgar Dale viewed instructional media as tools that provide concrete learning experiences.

Robert Gagné explained that instructional media support effective instructional conditions necessary for learning.

Examples of Instructional Media

Type    Examples

Print Media     Pamphlets, handouts, manuals, study guides

Visual Media   Charts, maps, diagrams, pictures, real objects

Audiovisual Media      Films, television, videos, multimedia

Display Media Chalkboard, flip charts, magnetic boards

Electronic Media         Computers, radio, email, CD-ROMs

Short Note on Print Media

Print materials are traditional instructional resources that provide permanent information for learners’ reference and independent study.

Short Note on Visual Media

Visual materials appeal to the sense of sight and help learners understand abstract concepts through images and demonstrations.

Short Note on Audiovisual Media

Audiovisual media combine sound and pictures, making learning more realistic, interactive, and engaging.

Short Note on Display Media

Display media help teachers organize and present information visibly to the class during instruction.

Short Note on Electronic Media

Electronic media involve digital and communication technologies that facilitate modern teaching and learning.

Technological Instructional Media

Technological instructional media refer to educational technologies and systems designed to improve instructional delivery, interaction, and learning outcomes.

These technologies assist in:

•           Delivering information

•           Monitoring learning progress

•           Providing feedback

•           Enhancing learner participation

Types of Technological Instructional Media

1. Informational Media

These are media that provide information using audio, visual, and digital formats.

Examples

•           Radio programmes

•           Educational television

•           Films

•           Slide presentations

•           Computers

•           Language laboratories

Short Note

Informational media enhance communication and support both classroom teaching and independent learning activities.

2. Testing Media

Testing media are tools used to assess learners’ understanding and provide feedback.

Examples

•           Worksheets

•           Cards

•           Computer-based tests

•           Electronic testing devices

Short Note

Testing media help teachers monitor learners’ progress and identify areas needing improvement. Computerized testing systems also save time and improve accuracy.

3. Instructional Programmes and Systems

These are organized technological systems designed to facilitate teaching and learning.

One important example is the Automatic Learning System (ALS).

Functions of ALS

•           Stores learning information

•           Analyzes student performance

•           Personalizes instruction

•           Supports large-scale teaching

Short Note

Instructional systems improve individualized learning and support effective management of educational programmes.

Importance of Technological Instructional Media

Technological instructional media are important because they:

•           Improve teaching effectiveness

•           Encourage learner participation

•           Support individualized learning

•           Facilitate distance education

•           Promote creativity and critical thinking

•           Enhance access to information

Short Note

Modern education depends heavily on technological instructional media because they make learning flexible, interactive, and accessible.

Principles for Choosing Instructional Materials

Before selecting instructional materials, teachers should consider important principles.

1. Match the Material to the Topic

Instructional materials should relate directly to the lesson content.

Short Note

Relevant materials improve understanding and help learners connect theory with practice.

2. Match the Material to Learning Objectives

Materials should support lesson objectives and learning activities.

Short Note

Instructional media must contribute meaningfully toward achieving instructional goals.

3. Consider Learners’ Characteristics

Teachers should consider:

•           Age

•           Ability

•           Interest

•           Background

•           Learning style

Short Note

Instructional materials should suit learners’ developmental levels and needs.

4. Consider Classroom Environment and Support

The classroom and facilities should support the use of the materials.

Short Note

Factors such as electricity, seating arrangement, and internet access affect instructional media utilization.

5. Compare Alternative Media

Teachers should evaluate available options before choosing the best material.

Short Note

No single instructional medium is suitable for all teaching situations.

6. Consider Cost, Time, and Space

Instructional materials should be affordable and manageable.

Short Note

Teachers should select materials that maximize learning while minimizing unnecessary cost and complexity.

7. Ensure Safety

Materials should not endanger learners or teachers.

Short Note

Safety is important especially when using laboratory equipment, electrical devices, or practical tools.

8. Teacher Competence

Teachers should know how to operate the instructional materials effectively.

Short Note

Proper teacher competence ensures effective utilization of instructional resources.

Steps in Choosing and Using Instructional Materials

1. Determine What to Teach

Teachers should identify:

•           Subject matter

•           Topic

•           Learning objectives

Short Note

Clear lesson objectives guide proper media selection.

2. Know the Learners

Teachers should understand learners’ characteristics and preferences.

Short Note

Different age groups respond differently to instructional materials.

3. Consider Learners’ Background

Teachers should consider learners’ previous knowledge and experiences.

Short Note

Materials should neither be too difficult nor too easy for learners.

4. Ensure Ease of Use

Instructional materials should function properly and be easy to operate.

Short Note

Teachers should practice using media before classroom presentation.

5. Ensure Availability of Power and Storage

Technological media require electricity and proper storage facilities.

Short Note

Proper maintenance prolongs the lifespan of instructional materials.

Utilization of Instructional Materials

Proper utilization involves effective planning and presentation of instructional media.

Guidelines for Utilization

•           Prepare lesson notes ahead

•           Review previous knowledge

•           Introduce materials at the appropriate time

•           Arrange materials properly

•           Encourage learners’ participation

Short Note

Effective utilization enhances learners’ understanding and classroom interaction

Conclusion

Instructional media are essential components of modern education. They improve communication, participation, understanding, retention, and overall instructional effectiveness. The rapid growth of ICT and mobile technologies has transformed instructional delivery, making education more flexible, interactive, and learner-centered.

Teachers in the Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme must therefore develop competencies in selecting, designing, utilizing, improvising, and evaluating instructional media appropriately. Effective use of instructional media promotes quality education and prepares learners for participation in a technologically driven society.

Assignment-Submit your assignment at the comment session

Give a summary of technological instructional media in just two sentences

References (APA 7th Edition)

Baran Evrim (2014). A review of research on mobile learning in teacher education. Educational Technology & Society, 17(4), 17–32.

Jerome Bruner (1966). Toward a theory of instruction. Harvard University Press.

Edgar Dale (1969). Audio-visual methods in teaching (3rd ed.). Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Robert Gagné (1985). The conditions of learning and theory of instruction (4th ed.). Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

Abbas Sharifabadi (2006). How digital libraries can support e-learning. The Electronic Library, 24(3), 389–401.

Darrell West (2013). Mobile learning: Transforming education, engaging students, and improving outcomes. Brookings Institution Press.