how multimedia impacts learning - nercomp · 31 graphics and images for learning key points: use...

How Multimedia Design

Impacts the Learning Experience

Mark Fazioli, ABDCT Distance Learning Consortium

http://ctdlc.org/

NERCOMP Blackboard-WebCT Users Group SIG - 5/13/2008

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Agenda

• Outline basic theory and principles of using

multimedia in learning

• Address some elements of multimedia design:

– Graphics

– Text

– Alignment

• Goal: maximize potential for student learning

through good practices.

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Warm-up

Why do you think multimedia design impacts learning?

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Warm-up

Why do you

think multimedia design impacts

learning?

Basic Principles

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What is the Multimedia Principle?

• The theory developed by Dr. Richard Mayer that

people learn better from words and graphics

than words alone.

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What is (are) multimedia?

• The combination of audio, graphics, video, and

text delivered via electronic means.

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What is (are) multimedia?

Why is the use of multimedia desirable in online

instruction?

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Four learning styles

1. Visual-Verbal

2. Visual-Nonverbal

3. Auditory-Verbal

4. Tactile-Kinesthetic

Gagne, R. M., Golas, K. C., Keller, J. M., & Wager, W. W. (2005). Principles of instructional design

(5th ed.). California: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.

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Learning styles

Visual-verbal learning style:

• Visual-verbal learners retain instruction best when the

content or information is presented visually as well as

textually.

A 4.3

B 3.7

C 2.5

D 2.1

E 3.2

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Learning styles

Visual-nonverbal learning style:

• Visual-nonverbal learners retain instruction best when

the content or information is presented visually in a

picture or diagram format.

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Learning styles

Auditory-verbal learning style:

• The auditory-verbal learner retains the instruction best

when it is presented in a oral language method.

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Learning styles

Tactile-kinesthetic learning style:

• The tactile-kinesthetic learner retains the instruction best

when he/she is physically engaged in the activity or

lesson.

Visual Literacy

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What is visual literacy?

• Visual literacy is the ability to create and

interpret visual messages that convey meaning.

“A picture is worth a thousand words”

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Art and science

How do art and science contribute to visual literacy?

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Art and science

Art includes:

• Historic paintings such as the Mona Lisa

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Art and science

Art includes:

• Powerful writings: fine literature, poetry,

children’s books

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Art and science

Science includes:

• Understanding of behaviors: how the mind

processes information and stores it as data for

long-term memory.

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The educator’s role

• Educators must mirror and apply elements of art

and science together to create effective

instruction.

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Behaviors of visual literacy

What should a visually literate person be able to do?

✓ Interpret, understand, and value the meaning of visual

messages

✓ Communicate effectively by applying the basic principles

and concepts of visual design

✓ Develop visual messages using different types of

multimedia and technology

✓ Incorporate visual thinking in order to conceptualize

solutions to problems

Graphics and Images for Learning

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Graphics and images for learning

What does it mean to use graphics “instructionally?”

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Six functions of instructional graphics

1. Decorative

2. Representational

3. Organizational

4. Interpretational

5. Mnemonic

6. Relational

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Functions of instructional graphics

• Decorative graphics

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Functions of instructional graphics

• Representational graphics

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Functions of instructional graphics

• Organizational graphics

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Functions of instructional graphics

• Interpretational graphics

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Functions of instructional graphics

• Mnemonic graphics

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Functions of instructional graphics

• Relational graphics

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Graphics and images for learning

Key points:

➢ Use arrows or other objects to direct the learner’s

attention to important information or elements in the

instruction

➢ Visual elements should always retrieve relevant prior

knowledge to reinforce information

➢ Use graphics/images properly to build long-term memory

and to create motivational presence to enable learners to

achieve their learning goal.

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Activity 1

Refer to activity sheet

Typography and Alignment

for Learning

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Typography for learning

Where does type fit into visual literacy?

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Typography and communication

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Typography and communication

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Common styles of type

• Roman/Serif

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Common styles of type

• Roman/Serif

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Common styles of type

• Sans Serif

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Common styles of type

• Sans Serif

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Typography for learning

Key points:

➢ Sans-serif fonts lessen reader fatigue in the online

environment

➢ Consistent typography helps build unity across the

instructional module

➢ Consider the typeface’s visual message

➢ Present online instructions in point size of 14 - 15

➢ Online headers range between 18 - 24 points

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Alignment for learning

Where does textual alignment fit into visual literacy?

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Alignment

• Left Alignment

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Alignment

• Right Alignment

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Alignment

• Center Alignment

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Alignment

• Justified Alignment

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Alignment for learning

Key points:

➢ No more than 12 - 15 words in a single line

➢ Chunk the text into small paragraphs

➢ Embrace white space

➢ Steer clear of scrolling web pages

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Activity 2

Refer to activity sheet

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Summary

• Mayer: words + graphics =

• Select carefully with audience in mind:

– Graphics

– Text

– Alignment

• Design for maximum potential for student

learning.

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Q & A

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Resources on multimedia and

instructional design

Gagne, R., Golas, K., Keller, J., & Wager, W. (2005). Principles of

instructional design (5th ed.). California: Wadsworth/Thomson

Learning.

Lohr, L. (2006). Creating visuals for learning and performance: Lessons

in visual literacy (2nd ed.). Cleveland, OH: Prentice-Hall.

Clark Colvin, R., & Chopeta, L. (2004). Graphics for learning: Proven

guidelines for planning, designing and evaluating visuals in training

materials. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.

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Resources on visual design

Lynch, P., and Horton, S. (2004). Web style guide: Page design.

http://www.webstyleguide.com/page/index.html.

Williams, R. (2004). The non-designer’s design book (2nd ed.).

California: Peach Pit Press.