ABSTRACT - American schools have made great strides in putting computers in the classroom, and although some parents and educators question their value in early grades, the main focus of debate today is over how computers should be used; photos; graphs show state of computer technology in public schools.

Will Media Influence Learning? Reframing the Debate

By Robert B Kozma University of Michigan

ABSTRACT - This article addresses the position taken by Clark (1983) that media do not influence learning under any conditions. The article reframes the questions raised by Clark to explore the conditions under which media will influence learning. Specifically, it posits the need to consider the capabilities of media, and the methods that employ them, as they interact with the cognitive and social processes by which knowledge is constructed. This approach is examined within the context of two major media-based projects, one which uses computers and the other video. The article discusses the implications of this approach for media theory, research, and practice.