Abstract
D.Ed. (Media Science)
The use of educational media in education and training is a
reality. In order to use media optimally two possible sources
of information and expertise come to mind, namely own cumulative
experience and research. Experience can often be very shallow
and unsatisfactory and could necessitate augmentation by the
findings of research and a fuller grasp of the extent of the
theoretical base within a particular field of study. As there
are persistent indications that the theoretical bases of
educational technology and media science leave much to be
desired and that media research does not fulfil expectations, it
was deemed prudent to investigate theory formation and
explication in the field of media science (a subset of
educational technology).
The following aims were pursued:
* Further theory formation regarding the nature and focus of
educational technology and media science and the placement of
both fields of study within the discipline of education.
* The development of a model for media research.
* The development of criteria or the redirection of existing
criteria for the assessment of media research.
* A discussion of the implications of the above for media
utilization.
In order to realize these aims, theory formation in the
discipline of education was investigated and an overview of
educational research (as one form of manifestation of theory
formation) undertaken. As media science forms part of
educational technology, tho developments in both fields were
reviewed. Media research forms a substantial mechanism whereby
theory formation can take place, therefore the media research
(past and present) is dealt with extensively. Each of these
themes are dealt with in terms of its history, current status
and future prospects...