Applying the Multimedia Principle

The term "multimedia" refers to the use of words (written and spoken text) and pictures/graphics (static and dynamic) to provide information;
  • People understand material to a higher level when they are actively engaged in learning.
  • Mental presentations, using both text and graphics, allows for cognitive processing, mental organization of material, and mental intergration of new and current knowledge.
  • The purpose of graphics is to assist in understanding the information.

Educators should select graphics that support the learning;
  • Text works best when it is conversational and to the purpose of learning
  • Graphics that are single focus (decorative, and representational) are not often the best choice for learning environments.
  • Graphics should show relationships, change or bring visibility to unseen processes and procedures.

According to Clark and Mayer (2011), "...we favor a knowledge construction view in which learning is seen as a process of active sense-making and teaching is seen as an attempt to foster appropriate cognitive processing in the learner" (p. 79.)

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2011). E-Learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumer and designer of multimedia learning (3rd ed.) San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.

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