It is devised by Edgar Dale in explaining the inter relationships of various types of audio-visual materials. As well as their individual position in the learning process.
In this cone each division represents a stage between the two extremes direct experience at the base, and pure abstraction at the apex. It may be stated that the ‘cone’ classifies the audio-visual aids according to their effectiveness in communication.
Direct, purposeful experience:It is the unabridged version of life itself, with three elements directness, purposefulness and responsibility for the outcome. The experiences gained through the senses are direct and purposeful. It has been amply observed, ‘’An ounce of experience is better than a tone of theory, simply because it is only as an experience that any theory has vital and verifiable significance.’’ This direct experience is gained through the aids mentioned at the base of the cone.
Contrived Experiences:when the real thing cannot be perceived directly, its simplification becomes necessary. Contrived experience is like a working model which is an editing of reality and differs from the original either in size or in complexity. The real object may be too small or too big, may be confused or concealed. In such a situation, imitation is preferred for better and easier understanding Eg: models of animals and mock-ups of machinery.
Dramatized Experiences: Means participating in a reconstructed experience
Participants