Article:Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning
From unthinkMedia
A cognitive theory of multimedia learning based on three main assumptions: there are two separate channels (auditory and visual) for processing information; there is limited channel capacity; and that learning is an active process of filtering, selecting, organizing, and integrating information.
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Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning Assumptions
dual-channels assumption
This theory suggest that people learn from word and pictures by processing verbal and visual through dual-coding. This asserts that both visual and verbal information are processed differently and along distinct channels with the human mind creating separate representations for information processed in each channel.
limited capacity assumption
Each of these channels has a limited capacity, and is only able to hold a few images in working memory at any one time. The learner only reflects portions of the presented material rather than an exact copy of the presented material.
There are ways of using metacognitive strategies, such as chunking, to recall a larger volume of data while maintaining the same limited capacity.
active process assumption
meaningful learning involves engaging in appropriate cognitive processing during learning and the construction of a coherent mental representation.
includes
- paying attention
- organizing incoming information
- integrating incoming information with other knowledge
knowledge structures
- process: cause-and-effect chains and consist of explanations of how some system works.
- comparison: consist of comparisons among two or more elements along several dimensions.
- generalization: branching tree and consist of a main idea with subordinate supporting details.
- enumeration: lists and consist of a collection of items.
- classification: hierarchies and consist of sets and subsets
Three kinds of memory stores
Sensory Memory
A memory store that holds pictures and printed text impinging on the eyes as exact visual images for a very brief period and that holds spoken words and other sounds impinging on the ears as exact auditory images for a very brief period.
Working Memory
A limited-capacity memory store for holding and manipulating sounds and images in active consciousness.
Long Term Memory
A memory store that holds large amounts of knowledge over long periods of time.
Five cognitive processes
selecting words
Learner pays attention to relevant words in a multimedia message to create sounds in working memory.
selecting images
Learner pays attention to relevant pictures in a multimedia message to create images in working memory.
organizing words
Learner builds connections among selected words to create a coherent verbal model in working memory.
organizing images
Learner builds connections among selected images to create a coherent pictorial model in working memory.
integrating
The learner builds connections between verbal and pictorial models and with prior knowledge.
five kinds of representations
presented words and pictures
Occurs in: Multimedia presentation
This is stimuli that are presented to the learner
sounds and images in sensory memory
Occurs in: Sensory memory
selected sounds and images in working memory
Occurs in: Working memory
learner selects some of the words and images for further processing in working memory, the next form of representation
verbal and pictorial models in working memory
Occurs in: Working memory
learner has organized the material into coherent verbal and pictorial representations, and also has mentally integrated them.
knowledge in long-term memory
Occurs in: Long term memory
Prior knowledge that is used for guiding the process of knowledge construction in working memory
Three Kinds of Presented Materials Processing
Processing of Pictures
Processing of Pictures
Processing of Pictures
Reference
Mayer
