Multimedia learning is building mental representations from words and pictures (Schnotz et al., 2021). Richard Mayer provides a “cognitive theory of multimedia learning” and describes his considerable study on how to structure multimedia content to enhance learning. He believes that combining graphics and words helps people learn more effectively (Mayer, 2021).

Photo by Amanda Glover from instructional design: multimedia learning

Next, I would like to present a 5-minute video in which Professor Mayer briefly outlines multimodal learning ideas. In this presentation, Mayer’s Theory of Multimedia Learning is simplified and made much more understandable. It also shows how to put the principles into practice.

Multimedia learning has already proven to be a valuable tool. However, based on the intricacies of how humans digest information during learning, I’m not sure how to maximize the usefulness of multimedia communications. Multimedia learning, according to Mayer, is a sense-making process in which the learner attempts to construct a coherent mental representation from the provided content rather than knowledge transfer and response strengthening. Mayer feels rather than focusing on keeping up with the latest technological breakthroughs, we should look into how we can help people learn with the help of technology. In reality, getting the most out of modern technology is difficult.

Reference

Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.

Schnotz, W., Hauck, G., & Schwartz, N. H. (2021). Multiple mental representations in picture processing. Psychological Research, 86(3), 903-918. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00426-021-01541-2