Traditional media for teaching include speech (lecture format), text (text books, trade books, articles), and images (graphs, charts, diagrams, photographs, videos). These media have shaped the way we teach and are not flexible to address the varied learning needs, strengths, etc. that are represented in today’s classroom.

Each media may present barriers for some students and provide opportunities for others.

Think of today’s classrooms: print is the primary vehicle of instruction. This is obviously a barrier for some students. Ask the audience to identify students for whom print is a barrier. (Examples: students with visual impairments, ELL, reading disabilities, etc.)

What are the alternatives to print? Not more of the same media, but better, more flexible media that will provide all students an opportunity to learn.

Digital media—available now—can help overcome the limitations of traditional instructional formats.