This introduction to a symposium on the status of research in instructional technology discusses the ongoing debate among developmental researchers as to the instructional effectiveness of media. The controversy dates from the publication in 1983 of an article by Richard E. Clark, who presented the position that media do not really contribute to learning, but merely allow for the storage and delivery of information that might produce learning. On the other hand, many highly regarded researchers have taken issue with Clark's arguments and have recommended that research on media and learning continue. The symposium was designed to bring together researchers who advocate the extreme positions on this matter--Clark, Michael Simonson, William Winn, Robert Tennyson, and James Kulik--and to give them the opportunity to present their views. A brief statement about each of the speakers is provided by way of introduction to the group attending the symposium. (MES)