In this module, I delved into the theories of multimedia learning and Mayer’s principles. As a demonstration of my newfound knowledge, I produced a brief video focusing on physical activity, showcasing my skills, and subsequently engaged in thoughtful reflection on the entire creative process.
I made my screencast on a video editing website called Powtoon. This site was recommended to me by another teacher, and I wanted to use something other than PowerPoint that was new to me because I thought it would be a good learning experience. I struggled a little bit just because I felt like it was pretty time-consuming, and I probably could have picked an easier option, but overall I am happy with how it turned out. I struggled to work with something I was unfamiliar with, especially when it’s something that is technology-based, but overall, I think it turned out alright.
I would say that the redundancy principle and the personalization principle resonated most intuitively with me. Personally, I’ve found that I absorb information most effectively when it’s presented in a combination of visuals and narration. Conversely, I sometimes feel overwhelmed when slides are inundated with excessive text that merely duplicates what’s being spoken. Through this module, I’ve come to realize that this preference aligns with the broader understanding that many learners, like myself, benefit more from the synergy of graphics and narration, or graphics and concise text, rather than an overload of all three elements. The personalization principle also struck a chord with me. Often, I find that lectures and teaching styles can appear overly formal, potentially detracting from the learning experience. Personally, I thrive in educational environments where information is conveyed in a conversational manner as opposed to strictly formal discourse. This approach makes me feel more engaged and enables me to extract greater value from the teaching process. These are also things I tried to focus on when working on my screencast.
When I created my screencast, I imagined my target audience to be pretty broad. Although my video was animated, which gave it a child-like feel, I think that the information is still useful to any age group. The concepts I included in the video were simple and easy to understand, and the lesson was both intuitive and interactive.
I currently work as a physical literacy leader, actively engaged in instructing and crafting physical education classes for schools throughout Victoria. My role frequently brings me face-to-face with students possessing a wide spectrum of abilities and diverse learning styles. While I don’t employ technology in my teaching methods, I consistently tailor my approaches to accommodate the specific needs of the students I work with. This often involves implementing the personalization principle to establish a more relatable and engaging rapport with the children.
In addition, I frequently integrate visual aids and hands-on demonstrations into my instructional methods. This multi-faceted approach ensures that students have multiple avenues through which they can grasp the concepts presented in my classes. This amalgamation of strategies has had a profound impact on the learning experiences of the children I instruct. I eagerly anticipate gaining further insights from this course and discovering additional techniques that can enhance my teaching skills.
I hope you enjoy my screencast!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEJYn1DvxCs
Mayer’s 12 Principles of Multimedia Learning. (2023, June 2). Digital Learning Institute. https://www.digitallearninginstitute.com/blog/mayers-principles-multimedia-learning/
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