When Learning Is Just a Click Away: Does Simple User Interaction Foster Deeper Understanding of Multimedia Messages?
Two experiments on narrated animation whose pace learners can control.
Citation
Mayer, R. E., & Chandler, P. (2001). When Learning Is Just a Click Away: Does Simple User Interaction Foster Deeper Understanding of Multimedia Messages?. Journal of Educational Psychology, 93(2), 390–397.
Method
Two experiments with retention and transfer tests.
Claims used
- Learners who controlled animation pace performed better on transfer tests but not retention tests.
Limitations: One topic (lightning formation) and simple pacing controls.
Extracted principles
- Give readers control of demonstrationsNot tested
Embedded demonstrations should let readers control pace and parameters instead of running automatically.
Writing interfaces