8.1.2 Why we need a model
At the same time, every teacher, instructor, and increasingly learner, needs to make
decisions in this area, often on a daily basis. A model for technology selection and
application is needed therefore that has the following characteristics:
it will work in a wide variety of learning contexts;
it allows decisions to be taken at both a strategic, institution一wide level, and at a tactical, instructional, level;
it gives equal attention to educational and operational issues;
it will identify critical differences between different media and technologies, thus
enabling an appropriate mix to be chosen for any given context;
it is easily understood, pragmatic and cost一effective;

it will accommodate new development in technology.

For these reasons, then, I will continue to use the Bates' SECTIONS model, with
some modifications to take account of recent developments in technology, research
and theory. The SECTIONS model is based on research, has stood the test of time,
and has been found to be practical. SECTIONS stands for:
S tudents
E aseofuse:
C ost
T eaching functions, including pedagogical affordances of media
I nteraction

O rganizational issues

N etworking

S ecurity and privacy