EDET+J709-Module+2+Hunt+2

= Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) =

I have always described myself as a nontraditional learner. I chose to major in science because it was the only subject area that appealed to my tactile learning style. Regardless of the topic, my wonderful teachers had some concrete activity to help reinforce the information in my brain. The movement of my hands, in the form of a lab activity, note-taking, or doodling, allows my auditory and visual channels to work simultaneously. If my hands are not moving, it is highly likely that I am mentally disengaged. With my learning preferences in mind, I believe that the 2 assumptions of the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning that are most appealing to me are: Dual Channeling & Active Processing.

Dual Channeling
The assumption of dual channeling in the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning is related to the 2 human senses that are generally engaged during the presentation of multimedia instructions, vision and hearing. By engaging these sensory receptors, information can be mentally processed through the brain. Scientific research provides evidence to prove that the utilization of both senses is more effective than the use of either alone.

Active Processing
Active Processing assumes that humans must actively participate in the learning process by paying attention and taking the mental steps to ensure that new information (images & sounds) are ran through one's mental file in search of storing new information.

App ﻿ eal/Importance As an educator, these two aspects of CTML provide concrete evidence of the features that should be incorporated into teaching materials. When these two processes are appropriately addressed, students should be able to process new information efficiently. In addition, the utilization of both channels accomodates students with special needs who may be unable to engage both sensory receptors. The ability to recognize active processing has also given me the ability to know when it is appropriate to walk around and provide nonverbal cues for students who are taking a mental break during instruction. (I find it funny that students believe that if they appear to be paying attention (being quiet and remaining seated/still) they will learn new information even though they are mentally disengaged.)

Website Violation: SparkNotes SparkNotes is legendary for its ability to assist students in a nontraditional manner. In order to stay current, SparkNotes has a website that is available for free. Althought the website is presented as a multimedia learning tool, it fails to effectively utilize the concepts of dual channeling and active processing. Examples are provided below.
 * No audio is available which eliminates the auditory channel.
 * Due to advertising, there is an overload of visual stimuli. This website would be more effective if the Kellogs advertisement were replaced with a content appropriate video clip.
 * Due to the excessive amount of advertising, it is difficult for a learner to mentally engage in the content which seems to be buried in the center of the page.