Information is the Main Ingredient: Using Metaphor to Enhance Understanding of Digital Media and Learning
How can we talk about learning technology and distance learning in a way that frames students as owners of their learning? Metaphors can help.
This report presents the results of metaphor development research based on the use of qualitative and quantitative methods with over 2100 members of the public, as well as a usability test drive with DML advocates themselves. Our research yielded two productive metaphors: (1) Cooking with Information and (2) Information Driver. Cooking with Information is an effective metaphor in expanding the public’s understanding of using digital media as a hands-on, interactive tool for lifelong learning. Information Driver is another successful metaphor for opening up opportunities for productive discussions on teacher mentorship and the facilitated learning process.