Applying Multimedia Learning Principles to Design Effective Mobile Training

In the training literature, little empirical research has been devoted to the design of effective mobile-based instruction for training transfer. In this experiment, we tested the applicability of a multimedia learning design principle, the redundancy principle, in the context of a highly interactive tablet-based simulation for training m4 rifle disassembly procedures. In the narration condition, the simulation included oral instructions describing each disassembly step, while the narration and text condition included onscreen text in addition to the simulation and oral instructions. While we found no significant differences on a written recall test or a training transfer test of disassembling a physical rifle, the narration condition reported higher satisfaction and usability ratings than the narration and text condition. These results indicate that multimedia design principles apply to more complex platforms and procedural tasks.