Effective Learning by Using Two Methods

               Nowadays, children prefer to use electronic media than using manuals or study guide. It is happening along with the impact of technology advancements which provide some tools that can make the process of teaching and learning easier (Reeves 1995). However, using both electronic media and text book is more effective to do. The Beachman’s research of Dual Coding Theory showed that using electronic media to support manuals’ learning material can help to improve the learning results. There are some reasons why learning by using two methods more effective like being understanding on the subject, become more creative, and develop the sense of filtering the information.

            Firstly, children can improve their understanding ability in information that they get. Based on Evan & Hawkridge (1999) said that piece of spoken or written language can influence the comprehension of getting the information. When children watch television, they will see such an animation that can open their imagination. On the other hand, when they read a book, they can get the information with its explanation. For example, Programs such as Dora the Explorer can bring the children to see how they do the adventure. The children can see how interesting adventure is, but they should know what the adventure is and how to do the adventure. Understanding about this is important because they can get the complete information without being misunderstanding in getting the information.

            Secondly, these media can develop children’s comprehension ability. Computer provides the symbols such as picture, sounds, words, and the combination of them. Dickson (1985) said “Computers can transform information in one symbol system to that in another change typed text (i.e., print) into speech, charts and graphs. In its proceduralizing function, a computer can operate on symbols according to specified rules.” Those functions help students to construct the concept of the materials that they want to learn from computer. In addition, learning by using books can help students to catch the information. According to Kozma (1994), said that books or media printed usually consist of orthographic symbols which are the symbol systems of phonemic graphemes. Those symbols need students’ attention to process the information and build the understanding of the texts. If students can combine both of these media, they can catch the information from the materials learning easily.

            Thirdly, the Internet and printed books provide a new way for supporting children to be more creative. For example, there are a lot of sites that we can find from the Internet. Some of those sites provide such as free blogs with different contents based on the creativity of the owners. This helps students to get the information from many sources. The existence of the Internet makes children can learn at wherever and whenever they want. Besides, the printed books also take a place to support children to get understanding of the information because children need to be focus on what they want to know. The variously information that is provided by the Internet could make children confused. Children could combine these media wisely to get the benefits. "The heart of education is the education transaction that based on a two-way communication" (Nunan, 1999). This education transaction supports four forms of learning interactions (Hawkridge & Edirisingha 1999:113), two of which are: learner-learning which contents between the learner and the learning texts and learner-interface which is between the learner and the media interface.

            Briefly, the combination of computers, television or the Internet, and printed books in process of learning give children some sources to get the information. If the children use this method, they will get some of the advantages, such as they become more understandable, can take the information easily in the subject that they have learned, and support children to be more creative. Electronic media and printed material books should be used to expose learning’s process, so children have a better assimilation of knowledge.

References:

Kizito R. 2003. Learning With Print Versus Learning With Electronic Media, (Online), (https://www.unisa.ac.id), it is searched February 9, 2015.

Edgar, P & Edgar, D. 2008. Television, Digital Media, and Children’s Learning, (Online), (https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au), it is searched February 9, 2015.

Robert B. Kozma. 1994. The Influence of Media on Learning: The Debate Continues, (Online), (https://www.ala.org), it is searched February 9, 2015

Franzoni, L.A., Assar, S., Defude B. & Rojas J. 2008. Student Learning Styles Adaptation Method Based on Teaching Strategies and Electronic Media, (Online), (www-public.int-evry.fr), it is searched February 9, 2015

Kirkorian, L. H., Wartella, A. E. & Anderson, R. D. 2008. Media and Young Children’s Learning, (Online), (https://www.princeton.edu), it is searched February 9, 2015

Dickson, W. P. 1985. “Thought-provoking Software: Juxtaposing Symbol Systems,” Educational Researcher, (Online),

By: St. Mufarrohah

Academic Writing