Definition
The collection of materials, devices, and technologies an instructor uses to deliver, illustrate, or reinforce learning. Training media include printed text, charts, photographs, models, projected images, video, audio recordings, computer-based programs, simulators, and online platforms. The term refers to the carriers of instructional content rather than the content itself.
Plain English
Training media are the things an instructor uses to teach with — books, slides, videos, models, simulators, and so on. They are the tools that carry the lesson to the student.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight instructor training when choosing the best aid or technology to help a student understand and practice a lesson.
Derivation
‘Media’ is the plural of the Latin ‘medium,’ meaning ‘middle’ or ‘something in between.’ A medium is what sits between the instructor and the student and carries the message across. Training media are simply the means by which training reaches the learner.
Why Pilots Care
Choosing good training media helps students understand and remember critical information, leading to safer and more effective learning.
Intuition Check
Do not think of media here as news, social media, or entertainment. In this context, media means the teaching tools used to help a student understand aviation material.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor selected training media appropriate to the lesson, using a sectional chart for navigation review and a short video to demonstrate crosswind landing technique.
Example Sentence 2
During the lesson on weather, the CFI used a short video as training media to show how fronts move across a map.