New endeavors to grasp the possibilities of multimedia training as a means of boosting human learning have been sparked by advancements in computer graphic technologies. Richard E. Mayer presents an evidence-based approach to improving education through well-designed multimedia instruction in Multimedia Learning.
Mayer has spent his entire career figuring out how to create excellent multimedia learning solutions. This book contains the lessons he has learned. These are lessons that can be applied to any communication, whether you're in education or business. The first section of the book is dedicated to defining multimedia terms such as multimedia learning, multimedia education, multimedia presentation, and so on. Multimedia is defined as the effective use of words and images.
When a learner uses words and pictures to create a mental representation, this is known as multimedia learning. Multimedia instructional messages are presentations of material utilizing words and visuals that are meant to foster learning for the aims of the research program. If someone develops a mental model of the lightning system based on the words and graphics in the multimedia educational message, they are engaging in multimedia learning. In this situation, you'll need to create a cause-and-effect model that shows how a change in one element of the system leads to a principle-based change in another, and so on.
Mayer shares his multimodal learning study to explain his philosophy and ideas. He goes over each of the 12 concepts in detail. He goes over 12 multimedia instructional design concepts based on over 200 experimental research studies and a cognitive theory of how people learn from words and pictures. The following are the 12 principles:
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Coherence Principle- Remove any unnecessary words, visuals, or sounds from the message using the coherence principle. Less is more in this case.
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Signaling Principle - highlighting content arrangement using cues can be beneficial.
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Redundancy Principle- Photos and narration are preferable than pictures, narration, and on screen text.
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Spatial Continuity Principle- Be sure to do your best to keep words and graphics close together.
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Temporal Continuity Principle- Present text and pictures at the same time
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Segmenting Principle- Present information in short segments. One thought at a time should be presented.
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Pre-training principle- Present terminology and fundamental definitions before introducing concepts.
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Modality Principle Use visuals and narrative instead of animation and on-screen text
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Multimedia Principle- Words and pictures are more effective than words alone in teaching.
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Personalization Principle- Instead of using a professional tone, utilize a conversational tone.
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Voice Principle- Instead of a robotic voice, employ a human voice.
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Image Principle- The image of the speaker should not be included in the lesson.
Mayer not only explained how each principle works, but he also talked about its limitations and the need for more research. This book is required reading for everyone who makes a presentation or develops teaching. Multimedia Learning gives step-by-step instructions for delivering training. Mayer also explained why it works from a theoretical standpoint.