The document outlines six basic categories of media: text, audio, visual, video, manipulatives, and people as media. It provides examples and descriptions of each category. Text refers to the original words in a written work and is commonly used for instruction. Audio can be analog or digital and includes radio broadcasts and recordings. Visual media includes images, photography, and graphics used to enhance learning. Video uses electronic signals to simulate movement for entertainment, education, or other purposes. Manipulatives are physical objects used as hands-on teaching tools. People are also considered a media category as they share and control information.