Katherine Squire's Article:

In using ERIC to locate various relevant publications on the theory, practice and research about technology in education, I found myself drawn to an older but relevant article on "Communications Technologies in Adult, Career, and Vocational Education."

My personal career interests revolve around the use of technology in adult and continuing education. I founded a company in 1989 that was centered around this premise an therefore I was interested in the author's analysis of this topic.

Sandra Kerka, the author, proposed that the rapid development of CT (communication technologies), especially those that include multimedia components may increase learning opportunities an provide better access to information sources. Kerka noted that "findings indicate that instruction involving CT is most effective when the instruction is "high touch" and interactive, students are prepared in advance, students understand supplemental materials, and the instruction does not imitate face-to-face teaching."

The fact that we can use integrated systems that can link CD-ROMs, PCs, and telecommunication devices increases the learners opportunity to access information relevant to the education process. Questions that need to be examined in this environment include, "what is the best way to use a medium for a learning task?" Is one medium more effective in a particular environment, than another medium? Kerka suggests "that the choice of medium be based on such factors as objectives, costs, personnel,users, anticipated use, level of interactivity, legal barriers, compatibility and jurisdiction."

It is interesting to note that since the publication of this article (more than a decade ago - do not be biased by the date) the same factors guide us and are instrumental today. Although, the article might be considered dated by some it exemplifies, to me, that we are struggling with the same issues in the 21st century. As Kerka points out we need to address topics such: ethics, quality of instruction, access, effect on learning, and learning styles in evaluating the methodology and approach to using CT in educational environments.

I found the article a great reminder that we need to keep the fundamental issues in focus at all times.

Reference:Kerka, Sandra, Communication technologies in Adult and, Career and Vocational Education ERIC Digest No. 81 (1989) http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed305494.html