This week involved an exclusive coverage of multimedia learning theory. The dual coding concept is very essential in learning because using different multimedia such as visuals with writing or narration with writing helps to improve knowledge retention. The important principles for minimizing extraneous processing when using multimedia learning include signaling, spatial contingency, coherence, temporal contiguity, and redundancy (Mayer, 2017). Learning these principles is key to improving knowledge retention and remembrance of important learning concepts (Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, 2011). For example, I get easily distracted by extraneous materials are present in learning materials. I can therefore use the coherence principle to separate important concepts from extraneous ones. These principles also help educators to decide the kind of multimedia design they should use to help students learn better.

Another key concept that we learned during week 5 is a screencasting, which involves designing multimedia that combines video and narration while demonstrating various concepts. Over years, I came across YouTube content creators who use screencasting to demonstrate various skills. For example, how to program, how to install software, how to troubleshoot a computer issue, among others. With screencasting, it is easier to follow the procedures and even playback where you need to revisit a concept (Alexander, 2017). Screencasting also provides a way of demonstrating a process that can be hard to understand when presented in writing only or in audio-only. The content creators minimize extraneous processes to ensure coherence of content, special contingency, temporal contingency, and redundancy. This prevents unnecessary content that may distract the learners.

During the class activity, I learned how to screencast using a windows computer. It was a great thing to learn because it can be used in educational settings to create good content for the learners. In case students need further clarifications after the usual classes, they may visit the class website or YouTube and follow carefully for better processing of educational materials. The following screencast will teach students how to insert references and add citations using google scholar.

How to add APA references and citations using google scholar

  1. Visit https://scholar.google.com/
  2. Search the book title
  3. Filter your references
  4. Paste your references
  5. Add citations

References

Alexander, K. (2017). Multimedia Design for Learning—Overview [Mp3]. https://soundcloud.com/user-433569679/multimedia-design-for-learning-overview

Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. (2011). In ETEC510: Design Wiki. http://etec.ctlt.ubc.ca/510wiki/Cognitive_Theory_of_Multimedia_Learning

Mayer, R. E. (2017). Using multimedia for e‐learning. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 33(5), 403-423.