Clark, R. E. (1994). Media will never influence learning. Educational Technology Research and Development, 42(2), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02299088

Summary

Clark (1994) argues that media are merely delivery mechanisms that do not directly influence learning outcomes; instead, instructional methods are the determining factor in student achievement. He distinguishes between media and pedagogy, introducing the “replaceability challenge” to demonstrate that if the same learning can occur across different media, then the medium itself is not the cause of learning. Clark concludes that while media may affect the cost or efficiency of instruction, they do not alter learning outcomes.

Strengths and Evaluation

This article is well-supported by research available at the time and makes a strong case for focusing on instructional methods rather than chasing the latest educational technology. Clark’s analogy of media as delivery trucks and instructional methods as groceries is both memorable and effective in communicating his argument. However, the article reflects the technological limitations of the early 1990s. Since then, adaptive learning systems, interactive platforms, and immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality have emerged, offering possibilities Clark did not anticipate. These newer tools may provide unique cognitive benefits that may blur the line between method and medium.

Applicability to My Work and Evolving Research Interests

Despite this limitation, Clark’s work remains influential in educational technology research and is highly relevant in both K–12 and higher education. Teachers and faculty can use his framework to evaluate whether digital tools genuinely improve instruction or merely act as replacements. For my doctoral research on supporting and advocating for autistic and neurodivergent learners, including LGBTQ+ students, Clark’s emphasis on instructional design over media underscores the importance of prioritizing accessible, equity-centered methods. His perspective encourages a critical approach to technology adoption, ensuring that new tools do not simply replicate existing barriers but instead help create more inclusive and meaningful learning experiences.