The institutional affiliation
Ruth Clark’s E-Learning Multimedia Principle
Ruth Clark is considered to be one of the most outstanding researchers in the e-learning field. In her book E-Learning and the Science of Instruction (2003) she offered and explained in great detail the fundamental principles which are based on the cognitive theory saying that material facilitates become more effective being directed by cognitive resources.
The multimedia principle is essential for designing multimedia learning which encourages learners to be engaged in active studying by mentally representing the texts in words and in pictures, and by building connections between visual and verbal representations. The modality principle recommends using words in brief and clear audio presentations instead of on-screen texts in order to reach significant goals in learning, thus, words with visual support can bring more benefit than words alone. Ruth Clark explains that a learning process occurs by encoding of the new information reaching our permanent or long-term memory. According to the Dual Encoding theory, the content of the text and graphics sends two codes, namely, a verbal code and a visual one. Thus, two opportunities for encoding increase the chances of the effective learning process. The graphics is more effective being supported by narrations, so the visual and textual mental channels are engaged. By graphics we understand a variety of illustrations, including photographs, drawings, charts and videos. As animation can boost learning, it is important to select that kind of graphics that corresponds to the instructional message and relates to the type of content we are teaching. Otherwise, wrong images added for entertainment can only distract learners (Clark, 2002).
Ruth Clark’s E-Learning Modality Principle
The modality principle tries to answer the question: “Does learning become more effective when instructional visuals are supported with text or with audio narration?” In her book titled E-Learning and the Science of Instruction Ruth Clark mentions that any research should put words in a narrative form rather than a visual one. If your goal is to make the learning process deeper and more intense, it is suggested to use complex images to illustrate lesson content or use audio narrations to explain visual information, thus, maximizing learners’ abilities to observe. The learning process becomes more effective when the principles are applied in accordance with the way the human mind works. Basically, our working memory has two storages: one meant for auditory information and the other for visual information. By using both types of information, we can increase learners’ working memory capacity. In other words, it allows our temporary processing memory to understand material in a more effective way if we simply reduce cognitive overload by using visuals and audio to deliver information so that graphic information is delivered through the visual channel, and the audio processed through the auditory channel. When all attention is concentrated on reading a text, there are fewer opportunities to review a visual image. In contrast, while listening to an audio narration of a complex visual, learners get more benefits from the visual, because they can observe it throughout the explanation. The modality principle can be applicable for software trainings or seminars where the content is complex and the graphic presentation is fast-paced (Tucker, 2015).
Even though, e-learning has been already put into practice, the idea is still in its development process, both in theory and practice. Thus, the principles suggested by Ruth Clark present comprehensive guidelines and solid evidences for designers, developers, or consumers of successful e-learning.
References
Clark, Ruth. (2002). Six Principles of Effective e-Learning: What Works and Why. Retrieved 27 March 2016, from http://www.learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/384/six-principles-of-effective-e-learning-what-works-and-why
Tucker, Christy. (2015). When Is Audio Narration Helpful? Retrieved 27 March 2016, from https://christytucker.wordpress.com/tag/modality-principle
