Five Common but Questionable Principles of Multimedia Learning

From Eduwiki

Chapter 6 is about the pros and cons of the five common principles of multimedia learning.

Principle 1 Multimedia Instruction Produces More Learning than "Live" Instruction or Older Media

Pro - 40% decrease in time required to learn when compared to human tutors.

Con - Often overload and/or distracted by irrelevant or redundant information. Students are often not able to tell when overload occurs

Principle 2 Multimedia Instruction is More Motivating Than Traditional Instructional Media of Live Instructions

Pro - Courses tend to be more attractive to students over traditional instruction

Con - Less demanding way to teach which creates lower mental effort and lower achievement. Students tend to choose course for flexibility in schedule which also promotes procrastination.

Principle 3 Multimedia Shapes Instruction for Different Learning Styles Pro - Study conducted showing voice, pictures, and test together together is stronger than on it's own.

Con - Study showed that subjects learned more information in their non-preferred style.

Principle 4 Multimedia Instruction Can Provide Active Pedagogical Agents That Increase Motivation and Aid Learning

Pro - Students are more excited about learning. Can trigger "Just in time" learning moments.

Con - Can be distracted if not used properly.

Principle 5 Multimedia Instruction Provides Learner Control Discovery Pedagogy To Enhance Learning

Pro - Learners with prior knowledge excel with pure discovery learning.

Con - Lack of prior knowledge can lead to loss of information. Thrashing can take place, meaning students just wondering around on a computer not learning at all.

My thoughts: -Multimedia has changed a lot since this study was done in 2001 -Multimedia is most efficient when used with guided learning and support -The more ways you can present the subject, the better chance of the students getting a deeper knowledge.