Summary and Reflection of Clark and Mayer Chapter 4
Summary
In the fourth chapter of e-Learning and the Science of
Instruction by Clark and Mayer (2016), the authors focus on "Applying the
Multimedia Principle". This principle states “people learn better
from words and pictures than from pictures alone (p. 47).” The chapter defines multimedia as the use of words
and graphics. There are two main points
in this chapter: when to use multimedia and what type of graphics to use.
Not all use of graphics have the same impact; the purpose
of the graphics must be considered. Clark
and Mayer (p. 72) purpose that there are the following purposes for graphics: decorative,
representational, relational, organizational, transformational, and
interpretive. Graphics used for decorative
and representational purposes are not as powerful as transformative, interpretive,
and organizational graphics (p 72).
Graphics should be chosen to support learning; they should have a sound
reason for use. The use of multimedia
works best when the learners do not know the material well, versus experts with
the material.
There is also a decision of whether to use static (still)
graphics or dynamic (animated) graphics.
While there seems to be a preference of using dynamic graphics when available,
this is not supported by evidence. Static
graphics are actually better for complex concepts. Clark and Mayer state “illustrations and text
allow for active processing because learners were able to control the order and
pace of their processing.” While animations
are better for concepts with manual procedures.
Other valuable uses of animations include color changes and arrows or
circling to point out important aspects of complex illustrations.
Reflection
Use of graphics is an important point in conceptual
understanding. Graphics are powerful
when used correctly and learning to use that power effectively can enhance the learning
of all students. This is really a new
concept for teaching. However, it must
be noted that a deeper understanding of how to use graphics is important. Especially the points that dynamic graphics
are not necessarily better than static graphics. This is especially true when the online environment
supports the use of animated illustrations.
These animated illustrations may not be the best tool in learner understanding.
The use of this principle in the ISD assignment is extremely
relevant, as it is whenever instruction is considered. The designer of a course should always consider
why a graphic is used. It can mean the
difference between distracting the learner or helping in understanding. After this course and this assignment, when coaching
teachers in using technology in education I can use this information to inform
and enhance instruction.
Reference
Clark, R.C., Mayer, R.E. (2016). E-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers
and Designers of Multimedia Learning, 4th Edition. [MBS Direct].
Retrieved from https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781119158677/
Leslie, I was having the discussion of the effectiveness of using graphics recently. The focus was on the animation and how distracting some animation can be when while reading. Focus and attention tends to be minimal when divided by movements that draw the reader away from the text. Graphics used may be relevant but any overt, unnecessary action on the screen interferes with learning. Noting your mention of Clark's distinction of purposeful graphics to support learning and those added for aesthetics, it is important to have a mindful approach to visual support. It may seem like selecting graphics should be a simple decision, but the purposeful aspect of choices made impacts instructional design lessons for e-Learning course. This bit of knowledge will definitely steer you in the right direction as you support teacher use of technology in the most effective way.
ReplyDeleteI found this super interesting. I always struggle with multimedia-- is it important to the learning? Am I just using it to fill up space? etc... This chapter is a definite read for finding that happy medium!
ReplyDeleteLeslie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your summary of chapter 4. I, too, think that using graphics are very helpful, but only if they are used in the correct way. What you are discussing here goes along with the Coherence Principle found in chapter 8. This principle talks about how if we over use graphics or just use them for more visual appeal, they can distract the learning and take away from the learning goals. The chapter you summarized is very relevant to our ISD projects as we must consider the graphic we use and make sure they are relevant to our end goals and objectives.
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post. I enjoyed reading it, as it was very informative. I had never taken into account the different types of photos, nor the way that people respond to those types of photos. This last week I had to design a lesson for class, and it included multimedia. There had to be opening and closing slides, but I did not include any audio over those slides. After reading this, I think that I should have utilized that a little better.
Thanks for your post.
God bless,
John