Today we worked on multimedia learning and used H5P to insert a banner and a multiple choice question into a video. We created the video by practicing a new skill. We learned how to screencast through zoom to create videos that include audio and show how to navigate a website. I chose the Audobon Society website. I already feel that I have come a long way in this class in terms of gaining technological skills. Each class there is a steep learning curve but I am getting better at following the steps and figuring things out.
We watched a video on multimedia that talked about effective ways to display and present information. Ray Pastore dissuaded listeners from putting too much information together to avoid overburdening of cognitive load. He talked about the split attention principal which asserts that having a graph and text on a slide demand that the reader splits their attention or switches between items in order to focus on one item at a time. This risks some information getting ignored. The redundancy principal explains that duplication of text and narration hurt learning. However, he did admit that learners do express the desire for text, image and sound all to be present in slides/presentations. I think this is because combining these forms not only makes learning more accessible to diverse learning styles but having “more” on a slide might make it seem more appealing to the human brain that relies on dopamine to retain focus. Despite, being less effective for learning, offering a busier set up might help grab readers attention and keep them alert to at least one of the items on display sort of like toddlers being most interested in toys with flashing lights.
I agreed with most of the points made by the presenter but struggled with the point he made about how having extraneous images in a presentation can hurt learning. He used a presentation that used an airplane metaphor and included images of airplanes as an example. I think this conflicts with the multimedia principal that words and pictures together are more effective for learning than just words alone. I personally really like it when an otherwise boring presentation includes images that are decorative or humorous because it makes the learning process more enjoyable. I also think art can be incorporated in everyday life so if a presentation on literary devices includes images of black bears I don’t think it will hurt the bottom line of the presentation too much and might help bring in students who are struggling mentally because the image is friendly.
The multimedia presentation also highlighted signalling as an easy way to help facilitate learning. This refers to essentially highlighting points in some way whether that be with graphics, color or the presenter slowing down for emphasis. Interactivity was also encouraged as the presenter asserted it would prevent the audience/students from getting lost. The presentation should move at the pace of the students and should be created with flexibility in mind so that some areas could be returned to for review if necessary or some areas allotted extra or less time as needed.







