This week we discussed Multimedia Learning Theory, specifically the theories and principles that construct Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia learning.

Of all the principles of Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning we looked at in this module, which seem most intuitive to you?

The principle I find most intuitive, as someone who wants to be a teacher, is the idea of Cognitive Load Theory. Cognitive Load Theory focuses on how we process information. The part of this I found most intuitive was the idea of extraneous cognitive load. It is obvious to us that removing the “fluff” makes learning more straightforward and easy to process. Adding unnecessary information makes it harder to process the necessary information. One thing I did think was a helpful thing to reflect on, especially as a future teacher, is the redundancy principle. When I think of powerpoints we make for children I think of bright colors, noise, and animations- all of which have the goal of keeping the childs attention on the board. However, I found it very beneficial to learn about the importance of limiting these external stimuli and focusing on the content. Or, if you want to include some external stimuli keep it to a minimum and don’t include graphics, narration, AND text- keep things simple!

MY SCREENCAST

Which principles did you have in mind when you were creating your screencast? Which were you able to employ and which were more challenging to follow?

The main principle I had in mind when creating my screencast was the redundancy principle. I did not want to overfill my screencast with too many sounds, animations, or colors. While I wanted to keep it interesting I did not want to overwhelm anyone. I found it slightly difficult knowing how much is too much. To me, the colors and photos are “fun” but I fully understand how they are distracting for a child. I think, as a future educator, it is important for me to take myself out of my “Adult brain” and put myself in a “kid brain” mindset when creating screencasts or powerpoints. I also kept in mind the coherence principle- I felt at times that I wanted to compare the steps I was doing (of addition) to other mathematical functions. For example, in my Math 161 course we are learning how to teach addition in multiple bases. I found myself wanting to say “If this was Base 7 we would do it this way”- but I stopped myself to try and focus the content solely on the Base 10 addition which was the point of the screencast. I felt being aware of these two principles made it easier to follow them and I feel that it made my screencast more accessible.

Who did you imagine as the audience for this screencast? How did that impact your design choices?

I am currently in Math 161, Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers. I decided to create my screencast on the topic we are currently talking about – adding in base 10. The audience I have in mind for this screencast are students in grade 2 or 3. I chose a slightly larger number and spoke to the children as they had some background knowledge about base 10, borrowing, addition etc. I decided to use a whiteboard function for this screencast, because if I were to do this with a “real” group of 2nd or 3rd graders I would likely complete the steps on a whiteboard or chalkboard. I used the whiteboard method on Zoom to record this screencast. I imagined my audience to be an elementary school classroom of 7-8 year olds. Due to this audience I wanted to keep my screencast short and simple, as I know the cognitive capacity of a 7 year old is lower than an older child. I also wanted to keep the screencast free of any background noise or animation.

I did struggle a bit doing this screencast. It was very challenging to write on the touchpad of my laptop so I felt at times my numbers were not legible. I also included colors through the highlighting function- but when I rewatched the video the colors were so light they barely appeared. I feel like this is a skill that will come with practice and confidence of using the features. Overall, I felt this was an effective first screencast!