C43.
Rice, R. E., Hiltz, S. R. & Spencer, D. (2005). Media mixes and
learning networks. In S. R. Hiltz & R. Goldman (Eds.), Asynchronous
learning
networks: The research frontier (215-237.) Mahwah, NJ:
Erlbaum.
There has been little research on the effect of
different media mixes and sequencing on the process and outcomes of
asynchronous learning
networks (ALNs). The past decade of research on distance education has
primarily
emphasized design issues, interactivity and active learning, and
learner
characteristics, mostly through descriptive research. This
chapter
will review some of the theories and findings about media
characteristics
in general that seem most applicable to conceptualizing the pros and
cons
of incorporating multi-media into text based online courses, and
selected
studies that included media as a variable. The following sections
introduce
the diversity of ALNs, summarize some relevant media typologies, media
characteristics
theories, and educational media theories. Then extant studies
using
multiple new media for educational settings are reviewed to try to
identify
particular lessons learned, and implications for new media
implementation
in ALNs.
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