Multimedia Principle
The multimedia principle serves as the foundation for Multimedia Design Theory. This principle asserts that deeper learning occurs from words and pictures than from just words. Simply adding images or graphics to words does not assure a deeper level of learning, however. Multimedia instructional content is more likely to create a meaningful learning experience if the content is developed with the following assumptions from cognitive science in mind:
From Mayer, 2005, Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning
01
Active processes assumption
Active learning entails carrying out a coordinated set of cognitive processes during learning
02
Dual-channel assumption
Dual channels, one for visual/pictorial and one for auditory/verbal processing
03
Limited-capacity assumption
Each channel has limited capacity for processes.
Why should I use Multimedia Design Theory?
Working Memory
Working memory is the part of memory that consciously processes information. Working memory is severely limited. Because much of the instructional content presented to students is novel, faculty must remember the limitations of working memory when they design instructional materials. Lessons developed with consideration for the limitations of students working memory are more likely to be effective than lessons developed without. For example, if you provide students with written instructions for small-group activities, instead of simply stating the instructions one time, students will not need to remember the instructions as they work.
Cognitive Load
One problem that can arise when words and pictures are presented together is a situation called cognitive overload. In this scenario, the processing demands associated with the learning task exceed the learnerâs cognitive processing capacity. There are three types of cognitive load: extraneous, intrinsic and germane. Poor instructional design can increase each of these.
01 | Extraneous cognitive load
This type of cognitive load results when students are asked to use working memory for tasks other than the primary learning objective. Such designs fail to steer working memory resources towards schema construction and automation. From the example above, students must use working memory to remember the instructions for the small-group activity, instead of focusing on the key concepts that the faculty just taught.
02 | Intrinsic cognitive load
This type of cognitive load results from the inherent complexity of the information that must be processed. For example, understanding a complex equation that includes Greek symbols means the student must be able to remember and keep track of the mathematical meaning of each symbol. Instructional design canât eliminate the intrinsic load, but faculty should realize that they have automated many skills and concepts that students must still use working memory to understand and process.
03 | Germane cognitive load
This type of cognitive load results from effortful learning, leading to schema production and automation. This is different from the intrinsic load which is the inherent work involved in the task, while the germane cognitive load is the work involved in learning from the task. For example, a multiplication problem has the same intrinsic load for a fifth-grade student and a teacher, but a higher germane cognitive load for the young student who is learning more from the task.
Multimedia learning describes learning through the use of pictures and words. Examples of multimedia learning include watching a PowerPoint presentation, watching a pre-recorded lecture or reading a physics textbook.
Nine ways to reduce cognitive load in multimedia learning
When presenting multimedia content to students, faculty can take certain steps to reduce cognitive load and to help ensure an effective transmission of the material. Mayer & Moreno (2003) outline nine specific strategies to reduce the cognitive load of multimedia presentations:
01 | Off-loading
Move some essential processing from the visual channel to the auditory channel, or vice versa if there is too much verbal explanation given. Learning is more effective when information is presented as audio rather than as text on the screen.
02 | Segmenting
Take time to pause between small content segments to allow students time to process information. Learning is more effective when a lesson is presented in small pieces rather than as a continuous entity.
03 | Pre-training
Include relevant names and characteristics of system components. Learning is better when students are aware of the names and behaviors of various system components.
04 | Weeding
Eliminate extraneous, albeit interesting, material. Learning is more effective without the inclusion of extraneous information. At least one study has shown, however, that up to 50% of additional extraneous material did not harm learner performance if it was interesting or motivating.
05 | Signaling
Include cues for how to process material to avoid processing extraneous material. Learning is more effective when signals are included. For example, add directions for how to move through a system diagram that does not have a clear linear path.
06 | Aligning
Place written words near corresponding graphics to reduce the need for visual scanning. Learning is more effective when words are placed near corresponding image parts.
07 | Eliminate redundancy
Donât present identical streams of spoken or written words. Learning is more effective when information is presented as audio as opposed to audio and on-screen text. For example, donât read your PowerPoint slides to students.
08 | Synchronizing
Present audio and corresponding images simultaneously. Learning is more effective when images and narration are presented simultaneously as opposed to successively.
09 | Individualizing
Assure that students possess skills for holding mental representations.