The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning

 

The cognitive theory of multimedia learning, developed by Richard Mayer, based on the thought that learning is a process in which learners make substantial connections between words and images. By using animations, videos, speaking and writing activities, learning accomplished easily. When it comes to learning with multimedia, CTML theory can be divided into three main assumptions:

1)Dual Channel Assumption: The human cognitive system receives information through two channels. One of these channels is for visual-pictorial information, and the other one deals with auditory-verbal information. 

2) Limited Capacity Assumption: Each channel has a limited capacity for holding information. If a channel receives too much information at one time, it becomes overloaded and learners can't continue to process the received signals.

3)Active Processing Assumption: In order to accomplish meaningful learning, learners must be engaged in active processing within the two mentioned channels. There are three steps of this processing:

Selecting suitable words and pictures, organizing them into coherent representations and integrating them with each other and existing knowledge of learners'.

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