Effective Characteristics of Learning Multimedia

Developing effective educational software requires an understanding of the complexity of multimedia components. The relationship between the characteristics of learning multimedia and learning outcomes of students is explored in two studies carried out in Estonia with multimedia textbooks and multimedia drills. Included are those characteristics likely to be effective for all students, boys, girls, high-achieving students, and low achieving students. Concluding recommendations based on the results of these studies should be useful for teachers and for developers of multimedia software.

[1]  Carol J. Williams,et al.  A Review of the Research Issues in the Use of Computer-Related Technologies for Instruction: An Agenda for Research. , 1991 .

[2]  Robin Phillips,et al.  Developer's Handbook to Interactive Multimedia: A Practical Guide for Education Applications , 1997 .

[3]  Craig Nicholls,et al.  The Effect of Computer Animation on Students' Understanding of Microbiology , 1996 .

[4]  Joan K. Gallini,et al.  When Is an Illustration Worth Ten Thousand Words , 1990 .

[5]  Warren Buckleitner.  The State of Children’s Software Evaluation—Yesterday, Today, and in the 21st Century , 1999 .

[6]  Robert A. Reiser,et al.  The Effects of Self-Regulation and Instructional Control on Performance and Motivation in Computer-based Instruction , 2000 .

[7]  Rossana de Beni,et al.  Visuospatial working memory in learning from multimedia systems , 2000, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..

[8]  R. Mayer,et al.  Nine Ways to Reduce Cognitive Load in Multimedia Learning , 2003 .

[9]  David Reinking,et al.  Me and My Hypertext:) A Multiple Digression Analysis of Technology and Literacy (sic). , 1997 .

[10]  Louis H. Berry.  Cognitive Effects of Web Page Design , 2000 .

[11]  Sasha A. Barab,et al.  The Effects of Navigational and Generative Activities in Hypertext Learning on Problem Solving and Comprehension , 1999 .

[12]  Michael Szabo,et al.  An Experimental Study of Animation, Mathematics Achievement, and Attitude Toward Computer-Assisted Instruction , 1996 .

[13]  Scott W. Brown,et al.  Children’s Hypertext Navigation Strategies , 2002 .

[14]  De Laurentiis.  How To Recognize Excellent Educational Software. , 1993 .

[15]  Herman G. Weller,et al.  Assessing the Impact of Computer-Based Learning in Science , 1996 .

[16]  Jean-François Rouet.  Guest editorial: hypermedia and learning - cognitive perspectives , 2000, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..

[17]  Richard E. Mayer,et al.  Multimedia Learning: The Promise of Multimedia Learning , 2001 .

[18]  Elizabeth Boling,et al.  Text Labels for Hypertext Navigation Buttons. , 1998 .

[19]  Barry J. Fraser,et al.  Gender Differences in Achievement and Attitudes Among Students Using Computer-Assisted Instruction. , 1995 .

[20]  Yuen-Kuang Liao,et al.  Effects of Computer-Assisted Instruction on Cognitive Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis , 1992 .

[21]  Netiva Caftori,et al.  Educational Effectiveness of Computer Software , 1994 .

[22]  J. H. Baxter,et al.  Interactive multimedia and concrete three-dimensional modelling , 1999, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..

[23]  Wim J. Nijhof,et al.  Effects of complex feedback on computer-assisted modular instruction , 2002, Comput. Educ..

[24]  Randall Boone,et al.  Evaluating Educational Software for Special Education , 2000 .

[25]  Sylvie Merlet.  Understanding multimedia dialogues in a foreign language , 2000, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..

[26]  Shu-Ling Lai.  The Effects of Visual Display on Analogies Using Computer-Based Learning , 1998 .

[27]  Jacob Nielsen,et al.  Guidelines for multimedia on the Web , 1997, World Wide Web J..

[28]  Richard Riding,et al.  Cognitive style, gender and learning from multi-media materials in 11-year-old children , 1999, Br. J. Educ. Technol..

[29]  Lori A. Livingston.  Monitoring the Effect of Color on Performance in an Instructional Gaming Environment Through an Analysis of Eye Movement Behaviors , 1992 .

[30]  Sharon K. McDonough,et al.  Practical Guidelines for Evaluating Educational Software , 2000 .

[31]  Lawrence J. Najjar.  Multimedia information and learning , 1996 .

[32]  Kathryn I. Matthew.  A Comparison of the Influence of Interactive CD-ROM Storybooks and Traditional Print Storybooks on Reading Comprehension , 1997 .

[33]  Michel Dubois,et al.  Multimedia design: the effects of relating multimodal information , 2001, J. Comput. Assist. Learn..

[34]  Gary R. Morrison,et al.  Principles for using animation in computer-based instruction: theoretical heuristics for effective design , 2002, Comput. Hum. Behav..

[35]  Leah P. McCoy.  Computer-Based Mathematics Learning , 1996, Encyclopedia of Education and Information Technologies.

[36]  Lawrence J. Najjar.  Principles of Educational Multimedia User Interface Design , 1998, Hum. Factors.

[37]  Ellen R. Bialo,et al.  Report on the effectiveness of technology in schools , 1994 .

[38]  Diane McGrath,et al.  Hypertext, CAI, Paper, or Program Control: Do Learners Benefit From Choices? , 1992 .