Making Media Choices

From SPARK

The following may help you decide which type of media tool to use in a given situation.

Which Media Tool to Use

1. What is the level of sophistication of users? What would best meet them where they are? If the tool is too high tech, they might be so absorbed by the technology that they miss the point of the content.
2. What resources are available for sustainability? Which tool(s) is the most likely to be within their financial capability to sustain, if sustainability is an issue. If expensive equipment is required, can this be done without ongoing outside funding?
3. How is the fit in regard to people from the community who could be plugged in? What particular technology would the local people feel most comfortable in using? Would low tech or high tech be the best for their situation?
4. What would best address the obstacle you are trying overcome? This is an important question. For example if language status is a problem, that is people don’t value their language because of second language pressures, then radio and/or videos are good choices. These would compete favorably with higher status languages. If people have no motivation to use Scriptures because they don’t see them as relevant, then dramas, songs and story telling are good options.

Choice of Content

1. Identify the problem area. What factor or combination of factors are the major hindrances to use of the Scriptures? Choose content that addresses those factors and that would not offend, especially in dealing with anti-Christian societies.
2. Make the content relevant to interests and needs of the people you are addressing. If addressing a specific segment of the population, keep their interests and needs in mind.
3. Consider conceptual levels of the target group. The best philosophy is to keep it simple and don’t make the programs longer than will hold attention.

Use of the Media Tool(s)

1. Make it clear what you want the tool to accomplish.
2. Consider any preliminary teaching that may need to be done in order for the tool to be understood and used well. This includes those who may be teachers or leaders in the use of the product.
3. Make sure that personnel needed to help the tool achieve its objective are trained and function well.
4. Evaluate progress while the tool is being used and make needed adjustments along the way as possible.
5. Do a final evaluation to determine just how well the tool achieved the objective

Media Mix

Often it is not just one tool or activity that needs to be applied, but a mix of tools and activities. Bible stories told with visuals can very well be followed up with a storybook. The level of literateness of the community will dictate the level and amount of print used in a book.

Nonprint media can be used to create interest in the Scriptures, to raise questions and motivate people to want to know more of what is in the Book. This often leads to literacy classes.

Scripture songs are popular and effective in communicating the Gospel and creating interest in Scripture. Songs, stories and/or dramas are a very good place to start.

By Doris Porter International Scripture Use Consultant

Date entered SPARK: September 2004