Mayer's Theory of Multimedia Learning

        Creating multimedia presentations has always been something I enjoy creating. I take joy in the designing aspect of media. There are a variety forms of learning styles and in order to best meet their needs, multimodal media is necessary to attain meaningful learning experiences.  After this week's readings and research, I found Mayer's Theory of Multimedia Learning and Principles enlightening.  I love the fact that it explicitly breaks down what works best and what does not work when it comes to presenting multimedia learning materials. A distinguished professor of psychology at the University of California, Mayer published his cognitive theory of multimedia learning in 2001. And the principles he developed after several years of research are just as relevant today. From images and video to AR and VR, multimedia is now integral to digital education. And learners find it a more engaging and enjoyable way to learn. According to one survey, 70% of students prefer digital learning to traditional classrooms (Digital Learning Institute, 2023).

Multimedia learning can improve learning outcomes compared to traditional instruction methods. It allows learners to engage with content more interactively and at their own pace. The advancements in information and communication technologies resulted in the renewed interest of the educational community in multimedia learning materials. Much of the recent discussion has focused on the educational benefits of multimedia to improve students’ learning (Ibrahim, n.d.). The effective use of multimedia images learners in Immersive learning opportunities. When considering Mayer’s Theory for this assignment, I chose to focus on the following principles:

Coherence Principle – People learn better when extraneous words, pictures and sounds are excluded rather than included.

Spatial Contiguity Principle – People learn better when corresponding words and pictures are presented near rather than far from each other on the page or screen.

Multimedia Principle – People learn better from words and pictures than from words alone.

BEFORE

AFTER

In conclusion, I have taken away so much from this theory and principles and I know it will continue to make a difference in my creation of multimedia learning materials. I will no doubt refer back to it often in my current and future careers. The intention should not only be to have The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning guide practice, but to foster a reciprocal relationship between the theory and practice (Cavanagh & Kiersch, 2022). In order to put these principles to work, there must be a focus on best practices when creating learning materials. The learner's senses must be stimulated in order for connections to be made and meaningful learning to take place.

References

Cavanagh, T. M., & Kiersch, C. (2022). Using commonly-available technologies to create online multimedia lessons through the application of the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. Educational Technology Research and Development. https://rdcu.be/drrPE

Ibrahim, M. (n.d.). Implications of Designing Instructional Video Using Cognitive Implications of Designing Instructional Video Using Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning Theory of Multimedia Learning. https://orc.library.atu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1046&context=faculty_pub_curr 

Mayer’s 12 Principles of Multimedia Learning. (2023, July 18). Digital Learning Institute. https://www.digitallearninginstitute.com/blog/mayers-principles-multimedia-learning/