Summary

In this module, we are introduced to multi-media learning by studying theories and understanding how we humans take in information.

These are important theories to keep in mind when designing a curriculum as it would make sure the material is engaging and is learned well instead of just presenting a bunch of information that students might forget.

The main theories that we went over were the Cognitive Load Theory, the Dual Coding Theory and the differentiation of intrinsic, extraneous, and germane cognitive loads. We also learned about Mayer’s principles to reduce unnecessary cognitive load and enhance understanding.

We also are introduced to practical tools such as Screencast that can be very helpful in making engaging videos. Some applications of Screencast could be teaching students how to use a particular software.

 Reflections 

Out of all of the principles that we learned about the one that is seemed the most intuitive to me was the Modality principal

The Modality Principle: This principle states that learning is more effective when information is presented both orally and visually rather than just one of the ways. The module also states that out of all of the other learning theories the modality theory has the strongest amount of evidence.

The reasoning for this is that humans process visual and auditory information separately but simultaneously, which increases the ability to understand and retain the information being taught. 

I find this very intuitive as I am a visual learner and have been intuitively applying this in my life.

Surprising Principle: I found the Redundancy Principle to be the most surprising. The redundancy principle states that adding unnecessary or additional text to something that is already narrated, can create extraneous load.

Extraneous load impedes and by avoiding repeating information in your multimedia learning objects we can help students learn better.