Research on multimedia learning has progressed over the past 20 years, providing practitioners a number of evidence-based guidelines for the design and development of effective digital learning environments.  Unfortunately, there is little communication between the research and practitioner communities, making it challenging for practitioners to identify and apply evidence-based principles.

Participants in this session will take a tour of four major themes that characterize multimedia  learning research over the past 20 years. These themes are: 1) Media comparison research. For example, is multimedia instruction more effective than classroom instruction?  2) Multimedia principles based on cognitive-load theory. For example, how to use modes and methods that best manage cognitive load. 3) Research on accommodating individual differences in asynchronous multimedia learning environments. For example, which individual differences are important and which are not? 4) Recent evidence on unique applications of eLearning such as scenario-based learning and games.  For each theme, you’ll see representative experiments and gain “take home” guidelines.

In this session you will learn:

  • How learning outcomes in a multimedia environment compare to learning outcomes in a classroom environment
  • A framework for applying instructional methods designed to manage cognitive load during learning
  • How to accommodate individual differences in multimedia learning environments
  • The features and benefits of scenario-based multimedia learning and games
  • Four general evidence-based guidelines you can apply to your work

Handout(s)

Recording