In my last class, the conversation about the use of graphics within education was discussed. As time has progressed a multimedia approach to learning has become very relevant even since I was in elementary school. Multimedia learning has shown many significant benefits in students learning and creates a space where visual and auditory learners are accommodated. The “Multimedia Learning Hypothesis” states that “people can learn more deeply from words and pictures than from words alone”(Mayer, 2009, p. 189), which has been scientifically proven in many assessments. As an individual learner, I was always classified by my teachers and parents as a visual learner. Though, at a young age I didn’t understand what they were referencing I was able to point out when auditory or written instructions were not a good approach to learning for me, but during my school experience, it was very rare that teachers would accommodate this. Teachers were very strict in their teaching styles and not as open to trying new approaches. After experiencing this during my education I intend to strive to create the most UDL-centered environment I can. Being able to find ways to support learners of all kinds is the most important thing we as educators can focus on. I believe that the enhancement of learning that this approach can provide will create an environment that is significantly more beneficial to all. Multimedia learning provides engagement, accessibility, collaboration, and simplification, and can focus on different preferences of learning for individuals. I believe that turning this hypothesis into a pedagogy would be a step in the correct direction when thinking about the efforts we make as teachers to make learning as accommodating and approachable as possible for every student.
The most difficult part about integrating a multimedia approach to learning for most educators is the lack of knowledge they feel they have on the topic. I personally feel very lost when it comes to media design such as how to use the programs, what websites/programs are suitable, where to begin, etc. Due to this feeling, I was intrigued to find what websites set me up best for success in my journey of learning how to integrate these media-based approaches into my teaching. Below I have linked resources of websites to create your media, tips on where to begin, and the benefits of integrating multimedia learning into the classroom…
Why is it important?
https://lucidspark.com/blog/visual-teaching-strategies-to-improve-learning
How do I use media resources?
https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/catalogs/tip-sheets/designing-visual-aids
What media resources are the best?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/microsoft-365/powerpoint
https://www.wix.com/studio/inspiration
