Article Reviews: Dual-Coding Theory and Multimedia Instruction

     Dual-Coding Theory is the idea that the human brain can process verbal and non-verbal information at the same time.  Not only are learners able to process information in two modalities at the same time, but research suggests that a learner can retain and retrieve information much more easily when that information is presented in a way that requires them to utilize more than one of their senses. Below, I have reviewed two articles that use research to support Dual-Coding Theory and explain the impact it has on instructional design.

     So what does research say about dual-coding theory and how it applies to design and instruction?  In the article “For Whom Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words? Extensions of a Dual-Coding Theory of Multimedia Learning”, Richard E. Mayer and Valerie K. Sims look at how students’ learning is effected based on the presentation style of information.  They focus on looking at how presenting animation and audio concurrently compares to presenting the information successively.  The study was easy to follow and looks at different dimensions from how much prior knowledge the learner is bringing to the experience to learning styles and strengths.  The findings are based on sound research and align with much of the research presently being published. 

     Mayer also has published an article that looks at whether or not effective instructional design methods work across different media.  The article, “The Promise of Multimedia Learning: Using the Same Instructional Design Methods Across Different Media”, begins by developing the argument for multimedia instruction based on the ideas from Dual-Coding Theory.  Mayer then looks at four case studies that show in the end that “the principles of instructional design do not necessarily change when the learning environment changes” (Mayer, 2003, p. 136)  Again, Mayer uses sound research to support his analysis.

     Gone are the days of one dimensional instructional design.  As instructional designers, we must merge various forms of media to better reach our learners.  I highly recommend these two articles if you want to have a better understanding of the Dual-Coding Theory and how it applies to instructional design using multimedia presentation.   

References

Mayer, R. E. (2003). The promise of multimedia learning: using the same instructional design methods across different media. Learning and Instruction, 13(2), 125-139. doi:10.1016/S0959-4752(02)00016-6

Mayer, R. E., & Sims, V. K. (1994). For whom is a picture worth a thousand words? Extension of a dual-coding theory of multimedia learning. Journal of Educational Psycology, 86(3), 389-401.

Sunday's Best Reads

     After ten years of teaching English in the public school system, I recently started back to school to earn my degree in Instructional Design.  This has given me this overwhelming desire to collect as much information about my soon to be career.  The first lesson I learned as I turned to the internet for my research is that reading blogs can become addictive! There are so many great blogs out there and so much great information that it is impossible to find time to read it all.  The second lesson I have learned is that a feed reader is a blog lover’s best friend.  Now, all of you blog mavens out there are probably wondering why it took me so long to fall in love with my feed reader, but for the blog rookie this is just the beginning of a lifelong relationship. 

     Because there are so many great blogs out there, I am going to highlight three blogs that have caught my eye this week.  They are at the top of my feed reader and the ones that I go to first when I have a spare minute to indulge my need to read. 

    

   1. Upside Learning  

           http://www.upsidelearning.com/blog/  

     Upside Learning has become one of the first blogs I check out when I open my feed reader.  Like a number of blog sites, the posts are written by multiple contributors allowing you to get perspectives from different areas in the field of instructional design.  The company has been recognized by TrainingIndustry.com for providing quality learning through the use of innovation and technology and was placed on their Watch List for 2013.  A majority of the posts on Upside Learning focus on cutting edge technology and innovation in the IDT field. 

    2. Integrated Learning Services        

            http://blog.integratedlearningservices.com/

     

     Integrated Learning Services has been developing eLearning and instructional design for the past eight years.  The blog is a compilation of posts from the associates and partners of the company and tend to focus on presentation and the instruction process.  It is a great source of information that comes from people who are at the front lines in the industry.  They are sharing tips and strategies about what works and what doesn’t from firsthand experience.  Those new to the IDT field will find this a useful resource to design meaningful and effective instruction. 

    3. eLearning Industry 

            http://elearningindustry.com/

     The eLearning Industry is my favorite blog to read this week.  It was founded by Christopher Pappas and is contributed by one of the largest online eLearning groups which was also founded by Pappas at Linkedin.  I enjoy this blog because many of the posts refer to instruction that can be used in the K-12 classroom or are specifically directed toward IDT rookies.  The website is also set up to help those new to IDT find positions in the field (which will be very helpful as I complete my degree). 

     Do you have any blogs that you recommend for professionals in the IDT field?  Leave a comment below and share your favorites and why you love them.  Maybe I’ll find next week’s must reads! Hopefully mine will make your list!