EdTech

Advantages of Motion Media

 

• Motion. Moving images have an obvious advantage over still visuals in portraying concepts on which motion is essential to mastery (such as tying knots operating a potter’s wheel).

• Processes.  Operations, such as assembly line steps or science experiments, in which sequential movement is critical, can be shown more effectively.

• Risk-free Observation. Visual recordings allow learners to observe phenomena that might be dangerous to view directly, such as an eclipse of the sun, a volcanic eruption or warfare.

• Dramatization. Dramatic recreations can bring historical events and personalities to life. They allow us to observe and analyze human interactions.

• Skill Learning. Research indicates that mastery physical skills require repeated observation and practice. Through recorded media, a performance can be viewed over and over again for emulation.

• Affective Learning. Because of their great potential for emotional impact, video and films can be useful in shaping personal and social attitudes. Documentary and propaganda video and films have often been found to have a measurable impact on audience attitudes.

• Problem Solving. Open-ended dramatizations are frequently used to resolve unresolved confrontations, leaving it to viewers to discuss various ways of dealing with the problem.

• Cultural Understanding.  We can develop a gut-level appreciation for other cultures by seeing film and video depictions of everyday life of other societies. The whole genre of ethnographic films can serve this purpose. 

 

Disadvantages of Motion Media

 

• Fixed Pace. Although videos and films can be stopped for discussion, this is not usually done in group showings. Because the program runs in fixed pace, some viewers may fall behind while others are waiting impatiently for the next point.

• Still Phenomena. Film and video are unsuitable for other topics where detailed study of a single visual is involved (e.g., a map, a writing diagram, or an organizational chart).

• Misinterpretation. Documentaries and dramatizations often present a complex or sophisticated treatment of an issue. A scene intended as a satire might be taken literally by a young or naïve viewer. Also, the thoughts of a main character may be interpreted as the attitudes and values of the producer.

• Cost. Compared to other types of media, such as text and visual media, video and film are relatively more expensive to produce.

• Logistics. Because of the cost per unit, videos and films are often acquired, stored and distributed by central agencies in school districts, regional centers, universities, training centers and public libraries. Collections in individual schools are normally very small. This means videos and films have to be ordered well in advance for their intended use.