Multimedia Principle

Sunday September 4, 2016

What is the Multimedia Principle?

This Multimedia principle indicates that the use of words and graphics is much more effective than using words or images alone.  Richard Mayer, a leading advocate of this theory has demonstrated through research that we are both visual and auditory learners.  When instruction is occurring, a student is more likely to have a greater depth of understanding when both of these tools are being used.



Example of this Principle Demonstrated (or NOT Demonstrated)

Starfall.com is a wonderful resource for beginning readers.  Students receive a balance of imagery and text that inspire young readers.  Letters sing and dance across the screen and then they are placed within a text that encourages students to say the letters and sounds.  Of course with young students an adult will need to follow up to determine whether students are actually engaged however the activity within this program is so inviting that most students are learning the material and they don't even know it.

REFERENCES

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2011). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer