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The Value of Multimedia in Learning
Multimedia that’s effective in learning doesn’t simply consist of using multiple media together, but combining media mindfully in ways that capitalize on the characteristics of each individual medium and extend and augment the learning experience.
Research shows how multimedia can extend and augment learning. Uses of multimedia vary, from practice to games to discovery learning. Designers should first determine what outcomes they are trying to achieve and then select elements well suited for these outcomes (for example, select audio to allow learner to hear differences in tone). Then they need to make sure that the multimedia elements are designed well and work well together.
A designer with an information transfer view of learning is likely to limit the potential benefits of multimedia learning environments by continuously building drill-and practice types of environments even when these are not called for instruction ally. On the other hand, someone with a knowledge construction view of learning may have such an expansive view of what is possible that the resulting multimedia environment may be frustrating or overwhelming for learners. In all cases, determining when to use multimedia and designing good multimedia require real consideration and benefits from a team of people with instructional design, graphic arts, information architecture, and usability skills.