Expanding libraries’ application of Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose the incorporation of Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML) into library digital initiatives, specifically open educational resources (OER). CTML contains established principles that maximize the impact of teaching material through optimizing the use of multimedia. As educators, librarians should adhere to CTML principles and advocate for them to be followed when library digital resources are created locally or used in a classroom. The paper looks at an OER title as an example and outlines changes based on CTML for improvements. Design/methodology/approach A literature review is used to identify the areas of librarianship where CTML already is in use and where research is lacking. Findings There are many opportunities to apply multimedia learning theory to aspects of library operations. The author should consider multimedia learning when making digitization decisions. OER projects should be accomplished with these principles and general learning theory principles in mind. Libraries should be aware of CTML principles when creating all digital scholarship. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on a literature review, not on research done specifically on this topic. It includes specific recommendations to improve an OER title as an example of what should be done on a broader scale. Practical implications Librarians are educators should be aware of learning theory and particularly multimedia learning theory as learners often are not directly accessible to provide feedback. Design is critical to learning and this paper provides practical recommendations for application. Originality/value Other papers have considered CTML as applied to online tutorials and instruction in general. Significantly less attention has been paid to applying CTML and cognitive learning theories outside of traditional instruction. This paper advocates expanding the use of cognitive learning theory and CTML to digital resources produced by the library.

Trainers’ pedagogical competencies and trainees’ assimilation of training content

“…H1c was supported in the study. The result is a contradiction to the works of Mohanty et al (2019); Shabiralyani et al (2015); and Theimer (2019) who indicate that the use of visual aids during training is important as far as assimilation of the training content is concerned. The outcome of this hypothesis could result from the trainers not extensively or effectively using visual aids during the training which contradicts the findings of Yunus et al (2013) because using visual aids facilitates assimilation of training content.…”

“…Similarly, Burke and Hutchins (2008) (Mohanty et al, 2019). Theimer (2019) adds that people assimilate training content better from text and pictures. In a study by Shabiralyani et al (2015), the use of visual aids was found to be useful in the instructional process and enhanced trainees' assimilation of training content.…”

How university instructors apply the design principles for electronic courses: a comparative study based on Richard Mayer's model on multimedia learning

“…In other words, the findings confirmed Mayer's model in general and reminded the importance of all factors in the design of electronic content. There are many studies to confirm these results, including Theimer (2019) who emphasized the need to apply CTML to various aspects of library activities, especially in the preparation and arrangement of digital resources for classrooms. Dash et al (2016) also confirmed that the use of multimedia tools as teaching and complementary materials would help in cognitive processing if well suit to the principles.…”

“…They also suggested presenting images in presentations that complement the lesson because images related to the lesson can enhance learning among learners as opposed to decorative images which increase cognitive load and damage individuals' ability to learn the target subject. In this regard, Theimer (2019) showed that there are many opportunities to apply CTML to different aspects of library activities in a way librarians must adhere to and support its principles when creating digital library resources or using them in the classrooms. Dash et al (2016) showed that multimedia tools are essential aids in medical education and would not replace traditional curricula for students.…”

“…Research findings support the usefulness of this theory in instructional design in various fields like academic achievement (Almasseri and AlHojailan, 2019), vocabulary training (Kanellopoulou et al, 2019), biology (Satyaprakasha and Sudhanshu, 2014), early childhood education (Shilpa and Sunita, 2013), English education (Shyamlee and Phil, 2012;Zhen, 2016), foreign language education (Almekhlafi, 2006;Amine et al, 2012;Zhang and Zhao, 2013), mathematics (Malik and Agarwal, 2012;Milovanovic et al, 2013), social studies (de Sousa et al, 2017), students with learning disabilities (Greer et al, 2013), vocational military training (Bradbeer and Porter, 2017), technical training (Stebila, 2011) and even in digital initiatives of libraries especially open educational resources (OER) (Theimer, 2019). The scope of these studies concerning disciplines and content areas shows the emerging importance of this theory.…”