Skip to main content
Log in

A critical review of Laurillard's classification of educational media

  • Invited Review Article
  • Published:
Instructional Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In Rethinking University Teaching Diana Laurillard classifies educational media, including the various uses of computers in education, into four categories: discursive, adaptive, interactive and reflective. This review discusses the consistency and usefulness of the classification. After summarising her development of a model of the teaching and learning processes in Higher Education, the relationship of the classification to the model is examined. First, the classification is mapped to the twelve processes in the model. Then, the described uses of various media for supporting these processes are correlated with their place in the classification. In this test of consistency with the model the classification is found to be only partly accurate. The shortcomings are discussed. Finally, other classifications are briefly considered and a framework for a pedagogically useful classification is described.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • BarkerP. (1987). Author Languages for CAL. London: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • BostockS.J. & SeifertR.V. (1986). Adult learning with microcomputers, in S.J.Bostock & R.V.Seifert, eds., Microcomputers in Adult Education (pp. 18–35). London: Croom Helm.

    Google Scholar 

  • GagneR.M. (1985). The Conditions of Learning. New York, London: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

    Google Scholar 

  • HawkridgeD., NewtonW. & HallC. (1988). Computers in Company Training. London: Croom Helm.

    Google Scholar 

  • KozmaR.B. (1991). Learning with media. Review of Educational Research 61(2): 179–211.

    Google Scholar 

  • LaurillardD. (1993). Rethinking University Teaching: A Framework for the Effective Use of Educational Technology. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laurillard, D. (1994). Teaching and technology: which leads? Alt-N, July, pp. 5–7.

  • LeeM. (1994). Towards an abstract model for the classification of tutoring systems, in M.Thomas, T.Sechrest & N.Estes, eds., Deciding Our Future: Technological Imperatives for Education, Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference on Technology and Education. March 1994, London, Volume 2 (pp. 1097–1099). Texas: The University of Texas at Austin.

    Google Scholar 

  • MartonF. & RamsdenP. (1988). What does it take to improve learning?, in P.Ramsden, ed., Improving Learning: New Perspectives. London: Kogan Page.

    Google Scholar 

  • O'SheaT. & SelfJ. (1983). Learning and Teaching with Computers. Brighton: Harvester.

    Google Scholar 

  • RomizowskiA.J. (1993). Developing interactive multimedia courseware and networks: some current issues, in C.Latchem, J.Williamson & L.Henderson-Lancett, eds., Interactive Multimedia (pp. 57–78). London: Kogan Page.

    Google Scholar 

  • ShuellT. (1992). Designing instructional computing systems for meaningful learning, in P.Winne & M.Jones, eds., Foundations and Frontiers in Instructional Computing Systems (pp. 19–54). Berlin: Springer Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • SparkesJ.J. (1983). On choosing teaching methods to match educational aims, in D.Sewart, D.Keegan & B.Holmberg, eds., Distance Education, International Perspectives (pp. 251–256). London: Croom Helm.

    Google Scholar 

  • SteinbergE. (1989). An introduction to hypermedia issues, systems and application areas. International Journal of Man Machine Studies 33: 121–147.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bostock, S.J. A critical review of Laurillard's classification of educational media. Instr Sci 24, 71–88 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00156004

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00156004

Keywords

Navigation