The Cognitive Theory of

Multimedia Learning

An Overview & Research Implications

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Cognitive Theory of Multimedia

Learning

What is Multimedia Learning?

Term Definition

Multimedia Presenting words and pictures

Multimedia learning

Building mental representations from words and pictures

Multimedia instruction

Presenting words and pictures that are intended to promote learning

Assumptions

Dual channels

Limited capacity

Active processingIllustration: Patrick Gerke

Cognitive Components

Term Definition

sensory memory

memory store holding images on the eyes and sounds on the ears for a brief period

working memory

limited-capacity memory store for storing sounds/images in active consciousness

CTML: Cognitive Processes

words

pictures

ears

eyes

prior knowledg

e

soundsverbal model

imagespictorial model

multimedia presentation

sensory memory

working memory

long-term memory

integrating

media

sele

ctio

n

media

org

aniz

ati

on

Processing Pictures

pictures eyes

prior knowledg

e

imagespictorial model

multimedia presentation

sensory memory

working memory

long-term memory

integrating

media

sele

ctio

n

media

org

aniz

ati

on

Processing Spoken Words

words ears

prior knowledg

e

soundsverbal model

multimedia presentation

sensory memory

working memory

long-term memory

integrating

media

sele

ctio

n

media

org

aniz

ati

on

Processing Printed Words

words

eyes

prior knowledg

e

soundsverbal model

images

multimedia presentation

sensory memory

working memory

long-term memory

integrating

media

sele

ctio

n

media

org

aniz

ati

on

Instructional Implications

multimedia

spatial contiguity

temporal contiguity

modality

specific redundancy

coherence

CTML Principles @ Work

multimedia

coherence

spatial contiguity

Combinations of Text & Pictures