Multimedia learning principles that help create digital learning content

What are the Principles of Multimedia Learning?

Multimedia learning theory is based on a number of other educational theories. It combines elements of cognitive theory, dual coding theory, and constructivist theory. These approaches emphasize the importance of multichannel perception of information, which contributes to deeper understanding and memorization of material. Research shows that the use of various formats, such as text, images, and video, improves the quality of learning and increases student engagement. Thus, multimedia learning offers effective methods of knowledge transfer, based on the psychological aspects of information perception.

cognitive load (the essence of which is that it is important not to overload the student's working memory, that is, the operative memory, with an excess of information, otherwise the person will remember little of the new information);
dual coding (and its essence is that for better understanding and memorization, verbal information should also be visualized, that is, using two "codes" at once to convey it to students - words and visual images).

Initially, the theory of multimedia learning had 12 principles. However, after the publication of the first edition of the book "Multimedia Learning", Richard Mayer and his colleagues continued to work on this theory. As a result, three more principles were added in subsequent editions, increasing the total number to 15. These principles serve as the basis for creating effective multimedia educational materials, helping to improve the learning process and information comprehension.

Mikhail Osipov identifies two main sets of principles: principles of content organization and principles of knowledge transfer. Below, we will examine each of these sets in detail. Some of the presented principles will be illustrated with examples developed by Mikhail Osipov and the team at Elena Tikhomirova's eLearning center.

Principles of Content Organization

This section includes nine principles that help effectively combine various content formats and provide general design rules. Although these principles are now widely used, it should be remembered that they were developed by Richard Meier for the design of multimedia slides in asynchronous online courses intended for viewing on record. Proper application of these principles can significantly enhance the quality of educational content and improve learning.

Examples of the principles are most effectively demonstrated in educational presentation slides. When using these principles in other multimedia learning materials, it is important to critically evaluate whether a particular principle is appropriate for achieving your educational objectives.

Research shows that learning effectiveness is significantly increased when learning materials are free of unnecessary, irrelevant elements. Excessive text, irrelevant images, and superfluous sound effects can distract students and reduce their concentration, which negatively impacts learning. To ensure maximum learning productivity, it is important to create materials that focus solely on the subject matter. This approach allows students to better understand and remember the material, which ultimately leads to higher learning outcomes.

According to the principle of coherence, learning materials should include only the information that contributes to the achievement of educational objectives. Excessive details and distracting elements should be eliminated, as they can create unnecessary cognitive load and divert students' attention from core tasks. This allows them to focus on important information and improve learning effectiveness.

When adding illustrations to a presentation, it's important to consider their usefulness. Ask yourself: "Do they enhance understanding of the material? Are they necessary to convey the information, or are they merely decorative?" If you are unsure of their usefulness or realize that an illustration doesn't add educational value, it's best to avoid using it. Unnecessary images can distract attention and reduce information comprehension.

Graphics, complex design elements, and unnecessary sound effects can be distracting to users. The same applies to text. It's important to analyze the content for unnecessary details that don't serve a meaningful purpose or are added solely for the sake of interest. Removing all unnecessary and distracting elements helps focus on the main idea and improves information comprehension. Optimizing the text, including removing redundant details, promotes more effective interaction with the reader.

An example of slide design with and without the principle of consistency. The left slide contains unnecessary elements: bulleted lists (with various marker icons) and illustrations, which can distract from the key information. The right slide shows only the key information on the topic; it is suitable for use provided the speaker or instructor explains each point or offers additional description. Image: Mikhail Osipov's course on creating educational presentations "3 Elements" / Skillbox Media

People learn more effectively when educational material highlights key points and provides cues to help them navigate its structure. Clear organization of information and an emphasis on main ideas contribute to better absorption and retention. When important aspects are highlighted, students can find the information they need more quickly and focus on the main topics. This not only reduces study time but also improves the quality of material absorption. Effective methods of structuring information play a key role in the educational process, as they help create logical connections between different elements of knowledge.

On a screen or slide, students should focus their attention on key elements. This can be achieved by using arrows to indicate key points, as well as highlighting key ideas with a different font or color. When giving an oral explanation, it's important to emphasize key information through pauses, intonation, or direct address, such as saying, "Remember this fact; it will be important later!" This approach will help students better absorb the material and focus on important information.

An example of slide design taking into account the signaling principle from the Skillbox course "Web Design from Scratch to PRO" Image: Skillbox

Research shows that information presented simultaneously in both visual and auditory modalities is significantly better retained. Verbal information is better remembered when accompanied by visual elements such as images or animation. This confirms the importance of a multimedia approach to learning and knowledge transfer. The combination of words and pictures activates different areas of the brain, which promotes more effective memorization and comprehension of the material. Using such methods in educational and informational processes can significantly improve information retention.

Dual coding theory states that simultaneously perceiving information through visual and auditory channels reduces the load on working memory and promotes better memorization. This method is especially effective for figurative information, which is more easily retained than text. For optimal transmission of educational material, it is recommended to combine verbal explanation with visual elements such as illustrations, infographics, photographs, and animation. This approach improves the perception and retention of information, which is especially important in educational processes.

It is important to keep in mind that illustrations do not mean just any images, but those that have educational value. The use of such images promotes a deeper understanding of the material. Non-elementary images do not serve the learning purpose and can distract from the main content. Therefore, it is necessary to select only those illustrations that support and enhance the learning process.

Research has shown that participants who took e-courses with animation and consistent oral explanation absorbed information more effectively than those who studied in courses with animation without oral commentary and only with textual materials. This emphasizes the importance of audiovisual content in educational processes, which helps improve comprehension and retention of material.

Research shows that people absorb information more effectively when it is presented in a format that combines visualization and oral explanation. This approach allows for a better understanding of the material than using textual accompaniment along with visual and oral elements. Visual data, supported by oral explanation, significantly enhances the perception and retention of information, making this teaching method more engaging and effective.

It is not recommended to present the same information in a presentation using text, graphics, and audio simultaneously. Text is redundant in this set of media, since, according to the principle of modality, a combination of oral explanation and visualization is considered the optimal method of conveying information. This allows for better assimilation of the material and retains the audience's attention.

Reading text and listening to audio do not always combine well. When reading, many people mutter words silently, which engages both the visual and auditory channels of perception. As a result, the oral explanation heard off-screen places additional strain on the auditory channel. The reader may read faster than the off-screen speaker speaks, and in this case, the inner voice and the speaker's voice begin to interfere with each other. This can reduce the effectiveness of information perception and lead to confusion in understanding the text. Therefore, it's important to consider these aspects when preparing materials, combining different formats to achieve the best results. On-screen text shouldn't be completely absent, but its volume should be minimized when the main information is conveyed verbally. It's recommended to summarize key points and provide a list of sources. This approach improves information comprehension and promotes more effective engagement with the audience.

An example of slide design without (left) and with (right) the principle of redundancy. The text on the slide on the left is redundant if the teacher comments on the map out loud. Image: Mikhail Osipov's course on creating educational presentations "3 Elements" / Skillbox Media.

Example of slide design with and without taking into account the principle of redundancy. The text highlighted in red on the first slide is redundant. These are conclusions that follow from the diagram on the right, and it is better to pronounce them aloud so that the listener can simultaneously study the diagram. Image: eLearning center / Skillbox Media

Research shows that combining words and images significantly improves learning effectiveness. People perceive information better when it is presented in a visual format that complements text. Visual elements help better remember the material by organizing the information and making it more accessible. The use of graphs, charts, and illustrations promotes deeper understanding and knowledge acquisition. Therefore, to achieve maximum learning results, it is recommended to integrate words and images, which makes the process more engaging and productive.

Effective acquisition of educational information is achieved through verbal explanation, supported by visual elements. When using textual explanations, it's important to complement them with illustrations to enhance retention. This is consistent with dual coding theory, which confirms that information presented in both textual and visual formats is more easily perceived and better remembered. Thus, combining different learning formats promotes deeper understanding and long-term retention of information. Images in texts should serve not only an aesthetic but also a functional role. They should serve to convey meaning and clearly illustrate the topics being discussed. Visual elements help students more easily perceive and retain new information by creating mental models that integrate verbal and visual aspects. This improves the efficiency of memorization and promotes a deeper understanding of the material.

An example of slide design with and without taking into account the multimedia principle. The first version contains only text and a random image, while the second version includes an image that figuratively illustrates the content of the text. Image: eLearning center / Skillbox Media

Research shows that learners retain information more effectively when illustrations and their associated captions are located in close proximity to each other. This arrangement promotes better comprehension and retention of the material, as the visual information and textual explanation are perceived as a single whole. This creates a more harmonious perception, allowing learners to quickly associate visual images with the text and simplifies the learning process. Using this approach in educational materials can significantly increase their effectiveness and improve learning outcomes.

When an illustration and caption are located close to each other on a slide, users do not need to make additional effort to match the image with its description. This predictable way of placing information helps reduce cognitive load, improving the perception and comprehension of the content. This allows viewers to absorb information faster and increases the effectiveness of communication. Proper placement of elements on a slide is an important design aspect that helps make information more accessible and understandable.

This principle applies not only to images and their captions, but also to any interconnected elements. For example, tasks and instructions, as well as questions and answers, should be placed next to each other. This promotes better information comprehension and makes it easier for users to understand the context. Proper placement of related elements improves navigation and makes content easier to read.

Examples of slides with incorrect and correct application of the principle of spatial relationship. On the first slide, the captions are located far from the elements they refer to, requiring additional effort for a person to associate them. The second slide has the correct placement, more convenient for readers or viewers. Image: Mikhail Osipov's course on creating educational presentations "3 Elements" / Skillbox Media.

Research shows that students learn material more effectively when illustrations and verbal explanations are provided simultaneously. This approach promotes better understanding and retention of information, as visual images help reinforce verbal explanations. The simultaneous use of illustrations and verbal commentary creates a more holistic perception of the topic, which in turn improves the quality of learning.

When a teacher conducts an experiment in physics class, they usually comment on it as it is being performed. This approach is also used in online courses, where it is important to activate visual and auditory perception by presenting information simultaneously in verbal and visual forms. Telling first and demonstrating later (or vice versa) can negatively impact the quality of new information acquisition by students. Learning effectiveness increases significantly when information is presented in an integrated format, which promotes better comprehension and retention. Research shows that people absorb information more effectively when multimedia content is structured into distinct segments or blocks. Each of these blocks should be adapted to the optimal pace of perception, which avoids overload and improves retention. Instead of presenting information as one large, continuous block, dividing it into small, easily digestible parts promotes better comprehension and retention. Using this approach to teaching and presenting information helps increase audience engagement and productivity. Optimizing educational content involves dividing information into short, accessible blocks. This reduces cognitive load and facilitates retention of the material. A structured approach to learning helps listeners better perceive and absorb information, which in turn promotes more effective learning. By breaking content into bite-sized chunks, you create a digestible environment that supports active learning and promotes long-term retention. It's recommended to allow users to adjust the pace of the lesson, especially in an asynchronous format. This can be accomplished by adding a speed slider and a "next" button to advance to the next slide or section. Research by Richard Meyer has shown that when students have control over their learning pace, they perform better on memory tests. This highlights the importance of interactive elements in educational platforms to enhance learning.

An example of slide design with and without segmentation. The first slide presents the content of the first section of the course without dividing it into segments (subtopics). On the second slide, it is broken down into small subtopics. Image: eLearning center / Skillbox Media

People absorb information from multimedia messages more effectively if they have prior knowledge of the terms and concepts mentioned in these materials. Knowing keywords and phrases helps better understand the content and context of the information presented. This is especially true for educational and informational resources, where a correct understanding of terminology plays a crucial role in the learning process. Therefore, familiarity with key terms contributes to a deeper understanding and memorization of the presented material.

The principle of pre-training is that students should be provided with a basic guide and glossary before delving into a topic, especially if they are new to the topic and the material contains a lot of specific information. This will facilitate the learning process and improve retention. It is recommended to create clear instructions and explanations of key terms so that students can confidently navigate the subject. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of the topic and prepares students for further study.

compile an introductory guide or conduct an introductory lesson on the basic concepts of the course topic;
provide definitions of terms (glossary) at the beginning.

An example of the principle of preliminary preparation: a slide with a glossary from the Skillbox course "Web Design from Scratch to PRO" Illustration: Skillbox

What all the principles of content organization boil down to

Elena Tikhomirova emphasizes the importance of the first key idea of design according to Mayer - the harmonious combination of various media. This includes the effective interaction of sound and text, as well as image and text. The successful combination of image, text, and sound creates a deeper perception of information and promotes better learning. The correct use of these elements allows you to not only improve the visual appeal of the content, but also increase its information content and accessibility for the audience.

It is important to note that we are not talking about the number of illustrations, audio materials, and text within a single course, but about their synchronous combination. Effective learning is achieved when text and images are displayed simultaneously on the screen, audio explanations are provided, or all of these elements work in harmony. This approach promotes better retention and increases student engagement.

There are three main methods of delivering information in an online course. First, video lectures allow instructors to present the material in an accessible and visual form. Second, text materials, including articles and tutorials, provide in-depth study of topics and allow participants to master the material independently at a comfortable pace. Third, interactive elements, such as tests and assignments, help consolidate knowledge and actively engage students in the learning process. These methods ensure effective learning and promote deep assimilation of information.

visual images (illustrations, graphs, animation);
audio recording with an oral explanation of the topic;
textual explanation.

According to Mayer's research, the most effective way to deliver new information is a combination of the two formats, rather than using one or all three simultaneously. The synchronous combination of verbal and figurative delivery of information promotes better perception and memorization. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the material and facilitates the learning process, which is especially important in conditions of information overload.

The ideal option is to combine visual presentation with audio (i.e., images with synchronous oral explanation).
Combining textual explanations with images is also acceptable, but this option is less effective.
However, synchronously combining textual explanations with audio (oral explanation) is not recommended; this option is the least effective. Simply put, there is no need to repeat what is already written in the presentation.

The second key idea of the principles of multimedia learning is that all elements should be organized in such a way as to minimize the cognitive load on the learner. This means that information should be presented logically, interconnectedly, and concisely, without unnecessary detail, which contributes to a better perception of the material. Mayer explains in detail what is meant by the terms "logical" and "convenient," emphasizing the importance of structure and clarity in learning. Proper organization of multimedia resources allows students to absorb information more easily and increases the effectiveness of the educational process.

Principles of Knowledge Transfer

This block includes six key principles to consider when developing materials for both synchronous and asynchronous formats. These principles apply not only to presentation slides but also to modern technologies. It is important to note that technologies are updated at a rapid pace, which creates a need to constantly update the experimental base and adapt to new conditions.

People perceive information more easily when it is presented in a conversational style. This approach makes the text more accessible and understandable, which contributes to better assimilation of the material. Conversational style helps establish rapport with the reader, creating a sense of personal communication. This is especially important in today's information-driven environment, where audience attention quickly shifts. Using simple words and structures, as well as active and direct speech, makes content more engaging and memorable. Therefore, if you want to convey your message to a wide audience, choose a conversational style. Official jargon and professional terminology make it difficult to understand information, increasing the cognitive load. People often have to "translate" complex terms into simpler, more accessible language. Therefore, it is important to explain the topic in simple, understandable language. This will make the information more accessible and easier to understand. Using conversational vocabulary promotes better understanding and assimilation of the material, which is especially important in educational and informational contexts. A teacher's relaxed tone creates the impression in each student that the explanation is addressed specifically to them. This significantly increases motivation and promotes more attentive perception of the information. Mikhail Osipov, in his commentary for Skillbox Media, emphasizes that this principle applies to all forms of communication with students. This applies not only to teachers but also to mentors, tutors, and all professionals interacting with students. It's important to consider that effective communication contributes to a positive learning environment and increases student engagement.

People absorb information more effectively when it's presented in a human voice rather than a machine voice. Research shows that human pronunciation and intonation promote better comprehension and retention of information. This is because the human voice is perceived as more emotional and trustworthy, which increases listener engagement. Using a natural voice in teaching and communication can significantly improve the quality of knowledge transfer and enhance audience engagement.

A live human voice conveys emotion and meaning much more effectively than a computer imitation. However, many can imagine the artificial voices often used by TikTok bloggers. Mikhail Osipov, in his commentary for Skillbox Media, cites research by Richard Meier, pointing out that even a voice created by artificial intelligence and as close to a human voice as possible is perceived by the audience worse than a real human voice. This underscores the importance of human communication in conveying information and emotional connection with the audience.

Research shows that people do not need to see the teacher's image on the screen to effectively absorb information. The content and quality of the presentation are important factors. Audiovisual elements such as graphs and diagrams can contribute to better understanding, but the presence of the teacher themselves is not critical for information perception. By focusing on actual content and teaching methods, you can create a more productive educational environment that will promote a deep understanding of the subject. Thus, using alternative formats such as text lectures or audio materials can be just as effective as traditional video lessons with a teacher.

Richard Meier advises avoiding the use of a "talking head" In asynchronous courses, he recommends using presentations with illustrations and text instead, which makes learning more effective and accessible. This approach allows students to better focus on the material and facilitates its absorption. The use of visual elements in combination with text promotes better understanding and retention of the material, which is a key factor for successful online learning.

The speaker's image is important for building trust and authority with the audience. It helps establish an emotional connection, which facilitates more effective communication. A speaker with a professional image is able to convincingly convey their ideas and attract the attention of the audience. The speaker's image also influences the perception of information: a striking and memorable image increases interest and promotes better retention of the material presented. Forming the right image of a speaker includes not only appearance, but also communication style, confidence, and professionalism, which ultimately affects the success of the presentation and its impact on the audience.

demonstrate the teacher's involvement in the creation of the course;
convey the teacher's personal position on the topic of the lesson;
retell the material in the teacher's own words;
make an emotional emphasis.

Is it possible Trust Richard Mayer's principles?

The principles proposed by Mayer may seem simple and obvious. However, Italian experts, studying the role of illustrations in learning, conducted a series of experiments that showed that even people unfamiliar with Mayer's theory intuitively come to the same conclusions. This confirms the scientific validity of the theory and its popularity. Mayer's principles are not random but based on factual data, which makes them valuable for the educational process. The use of illustrations in teaching promotes better understanding and memorization of information, which is important for teachers and developers of educational materials.

Multimedia learning theory differs from other popular, but not always effective, educational concepts in that it is based on solid scientific premises and research. Richard Mayer and his team conducted over 200 experiments, carefully testing each principle and repeating them multiple times. These studies provide a reliable foundation for understanding how multimedia materials can optimize the learning process, promoting better information absorption. It is important to consider this scientific evidence when developing educational programs and materials to improve their effectiveness and efficiency for learners.

Over the decades, Mayer's theory has been tested by numerous researchers, including scientists from Russia. Here is one of the most relevant and extensive examples: Australian researchers conducted a meta-meta-analysis in which they examined 29 systematic reviews summarizing the results of other scientific studies. The study resulted in an analysis of 1,189 experiments involving more than 79,000 participants. This large-scale analysis confirms the significance of the theory and opens new avenues for further research.

Most design principles based on multimedia learning theory are robustly supported in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. In a broader context, confirmation of the premises of the cognitive theory of multimedia learning is also found. Learners can integrate information more effectively when it is presented in the form of images and audio materials, provided that measures are taken to reduce the risk of cognitive overload.

Multimedia learning theory, based on a thorough collection of evidence, occupies an important place in modern instructional design. The principles proposed by Richard Mayer are applied not only to the development of slide courses and learning materials, but also in a broader context. They are used to create tools for assessing the quality of visual materials in textbooks and for the development of digital library resources. Effective use of multimedia elements promotes better assimilation of information and increases learning activity, which makes this theory relevant for educational institutions and curriculum developers.

Criticisms of Mayer's principles

Despite the extensive evidence base, researchers point out a number of shortcomings in the theory of multimedia learning. Australian educational psychologist John Sweller, the author of cognitive load theory, voiced particular criticism. He questioned Richard Meyer's key assumption that the simultaneous use of visual and auditory channels of information perception promotes better learning. Sweller and his colleagues argued that such a strategy can reduce the cognitive resources necessary for effective assimilation of material. These controversies highlight the importance of further research in the fields of cognitive psychology and educational technology. Scientists and researchers cite the ignorance of student motivation and their individual information-processing abilities as shortcomings of existing educational theories. A lack of motivation or stress can significantly reduce working memory resources, which negatively impacts learning. Many course elements that may seem superfluous and distracting from the perspective of the principle of coherence actually play a vital role in engaging students and maintaining their attention. It is important to consider individual student differences: some students can remain focused during lengthy lectures, while others lose focus after just a few minutes. This highlights the need to develop more flexible and adaptive educational approaches that accommodate learner diversity and their needs. Practitioners argue that it is important to consider additional aspects when applying multimedia learning principles. These principles can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the educational process by improving learning and stimulating student interest. Using various content formats, such as text, images, audio, and video, promotes deeper understanding and retention of information. Attention should also be paid to the interaction between multimedia elements, which allows for a more holistic perception of the subject. It is important to adapt multimedia materials to the level of knowledge and skills of learners to ensure maximum engagement and learning effectiveness. The more experience and knowledge the learners have, the less effective these principles are. Mayer's principles are aimed at students with limited educational experience. Mikhail Osipov emphasizes that applying these principles to teaching people with more significant experience may lead to a significantly smaller effect. This is important to consider when developing educational programs to ensure maximum learning effectiveness.

People with extensive learning experience have the skills to effectively extract information, even from complex and lengthy texts. They are able to cope with material presented in an inconvenient manner. Reducing cognitive load in such cases is unlikely to significantly improve their learning, since the level of information absorption is already high.

Mayer's principles are not suitable for everyone.

Although the principles of multimedia learning are based on empirical data, their application should be adapted to the specific educational context, notes Elena Tikhomirova. The effectiveness of the segmentation principle is reduced if the educational material is initially simple and presented at a slow pace. The principle of redundancy may not work for visually impaired students. It is important to consider the individual characteristics of both the learners and the educational content itself when using multimedia teaching principles. This will ensure more effective assimilation of the material and improve the quality of the educational process.

Mayer's principles alone are not sufficient for high-quality design.

The principles described in the materials are sufficiently detailed and clear, but they are not exhaustive. For example, Richard Meyer does not pay sufficient attention to the role of color, which is critical in the visual design of e-learning materials. The wrong color combination, such as light green text on a bright yellow background, makes studying the material impossible. In addition, the quality of images and videos also plays a significant role. Visual accuracy and purity of content are prerequisites for effective perception of information. Maintaining high standards of visual design helps improve the assimilation of educational material and increase its appeal to users.

Experts emphasize that Richard Meyer's principles represent useful recommendations but are not strict rules. These principles can serve as a reliable guide in the process of developing educational courses and materials. However, when creating any educational content, the most important factors remain the target audience, the expected learning outcomes, and the available technical capabilities. The correct combination of these elements will allow you to create an effective and in-demand educational product.