Selection of Instructional Media Systems

Abstract

This article describes a systematic method of viewing the important variables which must be considered in selecting a media system for a learning goal. The method looks first at the software in terms of seven variables: degree of control, kind of learned capability, cost, flexibility, population, adaptability and compatibility.

Once the software is selected, the reader is led to look at hardware in terms of six variables: type of software, cost, compatibility, portability, life and maintenance cost.

In each case all choices are seen in juxtaposition and choices are narrowed down to one or a combination. An example is included as an appendix to the main text.