Quite an interesting title, I guess the author had a different media and different learning in mind when he made this statement. As I see it media and information technology influence formal and non formal learning, they influence policies, beliefs and we have seen the impact the internet had on the latest presidential elections. Since the article was written over 25 years ago then probably the author was talking about a totally different context. He even mentioned that "we should not continue to waste effort on the question until a new theory has developed". I believe many new theories has developed since this article was published. Most disciplines and current jobs require a high level of IT competence, so choosing not to use technology at all in instruction because there are cheaper methods of delivery that would lead to learning is no longer an option. Students today need to learn how to integrate the use of technology into their learning experiences. They must develop IT competency and as has been argued "Illiterate in today's world has a new definition; it means not being able to use IT."
We could adopt some ideas from the article like:
Relying on research results when it comes to technology use rather than just assuming that all IT is good and all other options are bad.
Taking into consideration that instruction design should lead choice of material and media not the other way around.
As a final note Media does influence all types of learning and it is our responsibility as educators to make sure that the influence is more positive than negative.
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