Selecting & Designing Learning Tech with the SECTIONS Model

This report explores the SECTIONS model, developed by Tony Bates, as a framework for selecting appropriate learning technologies in higher education. It addresses key factors such as student demographics, ease of use, cost and time considerations, teaching and educational factors, interaction, organizational issues, networking, and security and privacy. The report emphasizes the importance of considering student access, learning differences, and the potential risks associated with technology use. Additionally, it highlights elements instructors should focus on when designing technology-based learning, including ensuring internet access, collaborating with other instructors, developing innovative learning experiences, and prioritizing data privacy. The report references several sources that support the integration of technology in education to improve instructional abilities.

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
SECTION MODEL.........................................................................................................................3
1. Students.................................................................................................................................3
2. Ease of use............................................................................................................................3
3. Cost & time...........................................................................................................................3
4. Teaching & education factors...............................................................................................3
5. Interaction.............................................................................................................................4
6. Organizational issues............................................................................................................4
7. Networking...........................................................................................................................4
8. Security & privacy................................................................................................................4
Important Elements to be considered:.............................................................................................4
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5
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INTRODUCTION
This report gives a basic idea about how SECTIONS MODEL can be used for selecting a
learning technology. Also, the elements that instructors should focus on for designing
technology-based learning in higher education will be discussed under this report.
SECTION MODEL
Tony Bates developed the “SECTIONS MODEL” that provides a structure for regulating the
aptness of teaching technologies (Bates, 2019).
1. Students
The issues to be resolved related to the students while choosing the media and technology are:
 Student demographics
 Learning differences
 Access
2. Ease of use
The medium of learning should be easily accessible without wasting much time on learning.
3. Cost & time
Consider the time taken to prepare class lectures and determine if digital learning can save time
and enhance interaction.
4. Teaching & education factors
Evaluate the learning outcomes, design strategies, use textbooks, audios, videos and social media
for the skill development of the students (Keshavarz and Ghoneim, 2021).
5. Interaction
Go beyond the boundaries to explore and interact with the students to know their skills and
identify the different kinds of interactions.
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6. Organizational issues
Identify if the institutional support is available and determine if the funding is available for
hiring the faculty.
7. Networking
Outline and identify the best network areas to connect with the students outside the teaching
areas.
8. Security & privacy
Information of students should be kept secured. Identify the potential risk involved in using such
technology that can be breached easily.
Important Elements to be considered:
1) Make sure that students have proper access to the internet.
2) Collaborate with other instructors outside the boundaries of schools.
3) They can develop highly appealing and innovative learning experiences through
technology. (Uslu, 2018)
4) Instructors can also become guides, helpers and motivators for the learning students.
5) Keep privacy of data as a priority.
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REFERENCES
Books and journal
Bates, A.T., 2019. Choosing and using media in education: the SECTIONS model. Teaching in a
Digital Age-Second Edition.
Keshavarz, M. and Ghoneim, A., 2021. Preparing Educators to Teach in a Digital Age. The
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 22(1). pp. 221-
242.
Uslu, O., 2018. Factors associated with technology integration to improve instructional abilities:
A path model. Australian Journal of Teacher Education (Online), 43(4). pp. 31-50.
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