Presentation Title: “Mayer's Principles of Multimedia Learning with Creator+”

Richard Mayer's Principles of Multimedia Learning is a seminal framework for designing course materials that are engaging and enjoyable for learners. His research was based on cognitive theory, and his principles are based on three assumptions:

* Dual-channel - people process information using both auditory and visual channels.
* Limited-capacity - learners can only process a limited amount of information at any time
* Active-processing - learning is more effective when people are active participants than when information is passively received

Based on these three assumptions, Mayer developed 12 principles of multimedia learning. While many of them apply more to the creation of animations and video with accompanying text, six (6) of these principles can be employed by using Brightspace Creator+ elements. They are natural means of conveying information in the ways Mayer proposes.

The Segmenting Principle states that learning is more effective when materials are divided into smaller, more manageable segments. This allows learners to focus on one topic at a time. Both Tabs and Accordions are natural ways of dividing materials into separate but related segments. Both also allow the incorporation of graphics and other visuals to support textual information. Callout Boxes can also be used to connect learning segments.

The Signaling Principle states that learning is enhanced when important information is highlighted. Too much information can be overwhelming, so visual cues can allow learners to focus on the important points. Hot-Spots are an ideal way of adding Signaling to diagrams, images, or screenshots. The ability to use different colors and icons for the hot-spot indicators provides additional means of directing learner attention in different ways, such as sequential signals. Stylized Quotes and Callouts also provide excellent tools for making certain points stand out.

The Coherence Principle states that it is easier to learn when extraneous or irrelevant information is eliminated, and the text and visuals are aligned. Flip Cards and Carousels both offer pairings of images and text in a way that forces designers to be economic with their choices of both visuals and text.

The Spatial Contiguity Principle states that the text and visuals should be spatially aligned in ways that allow the learner to understand their connection. Timelines are a natural way to use this principle in presenting chronological information, but they can also be used in other creative ways. Carousels again ensure that text and visuals are not only visually aligned, but segmented or even sequenced in meaningful ways.

The Multimedia Principle states that learning is more effective when both text and visuals are used, rather than one of them alone. Carousels and Tabs are both obvious choices for effective combinations of text and graphics, but Layouts also provide a way of organizing text and visuals in creative ways. Even more options are available when Layouts and Creator+ elements are combined.

Mayer's Principles provide an elegant framework for how to improve course content, and Creator+ provides simple, effective tools for employing those principles. It breaks down the barriers created by walls of text and gives students a more interactive, engaging learning experience that is easier to manage.

This presentation will use real examples of all of the above principles and Creator+ elements from currently active courses at West Virginia Northern Community College. The presentation will be built and delivered using Creator+, and will thus serve as an example of the very principles it covers.