Here we are in week 5 of Design & Development of Multimedia Instructional Units and we have reached, in my humble opinion, my favorite Multimedia Principle presented in e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning by Ruth Colvin Clark and Richard E. Mayer.
The Personalization Principle
This week's concept has by far been the most challenging, but I believe this is because I was also focused on how to balance the Personalization Principles with the other principles we have addressed. Clark and Mayer state at the beginning of chapter 9 in our text that: "people learn better when e‐learning environments use a conversational style of writing or speaking (including using first‐ and
second‐person language), polite wording for feedback and advice, and a friendly human voice..." (page 179, Clark and Mayer). I believe this related to best practices in a brick and mortar classroom of students having conversations about their learning, both with peers and teachers. No one wants to listen to an e-Learning course that sounds like Charlie Brown's teacher. When we avoid using machine simulated voicing and open up to a more informal style, we are creating a learning atmosphere as if the student is having a conversation with the computer. It is important to note that some of the evidence presented in the chapter is preliminary.
Concept Application
Just as the concept of this week has been challenging, so has the concept application. The assignment itself of creating a digital story was not as difficult as I had initially anticipated it would be. Rather, the task of choosing a topic I was comfortable with was the toughest aspect. Do I choose something education related? Do I think outside of the box? Well folks, I am pleased to say that I took a leap and chose to go on the road less traveled. My digital story is more of a persuading piece about the sport of axe throwing. I struggled with creating the audio voiceover as I am not used to creating videos with my own voice. That will definitely take some getting used to, but this was key in creating conversational audio and using the personalization principle. I also was challenged by applying the other guidelines of the Multimedia Principles we have previously covered. I'm sure I broke some "rules", but I am appreciative of the learning experience!
Several years ago my husband and I went on a double date to an axe throwing venue in East Texas, and after that Joe was hooked. We began competing in leagues and traveling to tournaments. In 2020 and 2021 my husband, Joe, even made it to the World Axe Throwing Championship that was broadcasted on ESPN. My intended audience for my project is someone who has never tried axe throwing, or is interested in the competitive side of the sport. The images used are my family and friends many photographed by great photographers that have really built up the community by allowing throwers to share their images on multimedia. I hope you enjoy this project that definitely brought me outside of my comfort zone! And as always.... Geaux Tigers!
Reference:
Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2016). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. Wiley.
World Axe Throwing League: https://worldaxethrowingleague.com/
Axe Throwers & Photography Credit
A special thank you to the throwers and photographers whose work is featured in the video. The axe throwing community is appreciative for all you do!
Joe Leftwich Michael Dolan Josh Wilson Cecily Wilson
Chris Simmons Sir Panda Photography Jesse Hummel of Throvv Photography
Bret Hartman Rob Leverence Nicole Ashdown
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