The main comparative difference between media and educational communication is the message they are trying to convey. Media communication is often aimed at selling a product/promoting an idea/gaining a vote whereas communication within academia is almost always aimed at explaining a principle, at educating and informing.
There are strengths and weaknesses to both approaches in how they reach their targeted audiences; a similarity is that they both are aimed at specific groups. They have probably influenced one another even if only to allow the other to see how not to communicate. Neither are perfected arts as both have been criticized for some of their employed techniques and methods.
Education is becoming more clued up on the principles and psychology that lie behind the learning process. The authorities are trying to make the classroom accessible for all through different mediums in an effort to engage students who cannot benefit from the old fashion style of teaching and techniques which for some, help to excel, and for others prohibit their learning. Until a balance or formula is found however, the education system will continue to only accommodate for a proportion of students.
The media has always had artistic licence without the pressure to conform to a curriculum when communicating with the masses. This, plus access to, in some contexts, massive resources, has encouraged the use of a variety of mediums that cater for a wider audience and engage those who are not engaged in the classroom. The freedom of expression and creativity is something that has influenced the classroom but as yet has not had its full effect. This again is probably down to resource.
The tone of communication could be described in education as 'you must learn these facts and regurgitate them at the correct times' whereas within media and culture they invite you to engage and support an idea; it is participatory.
There are strengths and weaknesses to both approaches in how they reach their targeted audiences; a similarity is that they both are aimed at specific groups. They have probably influenced one another even if only to allow the other to see how not to communicate. Neither are perfected arts as both have been criticized for some of their employed techniques and methods.
- Media literacy is reducing the divide
Education is becoming more clued up on the principles and psychology that lie behind the learning process. The authorities are trying to make the classroom accessible for all through different mediums in an effort to engage students who cannot benefit from the old fashion style of teaching and techniques which for some, help to excel, and for others prohibit their learning. Until a balance or formula is found however, the education system will continue to only accommodate for a proportion of students.
- Resources are encouraging creative licence
The media has always had artistic licence without the pressure to conform to a curriculum when communicating with the masses. This, plus access to, in some contexts, massive resources, has encouraged the use of a variety of mediums that cater for a wider audience and engage those who are not engaged in the classroom. The freedom of expression and creativity is something that has influenced the classroom but as yet has not had its full effect. This again is probably down to resource.
The tone of communication could be described in education as 'you must learn these facts and regurgitate them at the correct times' whereas within media and culture they invite you to engage and support an idea; it is participatory.
