Written by: Mya Keay

Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, discusses how we learn and how we receive, process and retain information

In this video I demonstrate using the website Vimeo in order to edit and create videos. this is done by recoding a zoom meeting.

Dual Coding Theory:

The dual coding theory is one that I felt stuck with me the most.

The dual coding theory which was introduced by Allan Paivio, suggests that the brain has two separate systems for which we process information. The first being auditory and the second visual. The auditory pathway allows us to process information such as music, and speech while the visual allows for the understanding of visual information and cues such as images and demonstrations. The theory suggests that by having these two pathways we are able to process information from both categories at the same time. This allows for a greater understanding as we are then able to “link” the auditory and visual we learned to one another. Allowing for easier recollection.

I find that using auditory and visual cues simultaneously allows for the viewer to create a deeper understanding of the topic as they are able to not only see how something is done but also hear the step by step. The two linking together creates a stronger sense of understanding of the topic discussed.

Creating the Screencast:

I found that while I was creating my screencast I was doing my best to use the dual coding theory. When I discussed a function of the website I also discussed how to access the function and what it is that it does, so that both the auditory and visual pathways were being used. Additionally I found that I had the redundancy principle in the back of my mind. Deciding it was better in this instance to use graphics and narration rather than text as it would be simpler to demonstrate, therefore easier to process. I kept in mind not to add in unnecessary images or background sounds to avoid over complicating, and just to highlight the important details, limiting the risk over of overloading the viewer (coherence principle and signalling principle).

Reflection Question:

Who did you imagine as the audience for this screencast? How did that impact your design choices?

  • I imagined the audience for this screencast as people who have not used a video editing program before, such as my grandmother. I often find myself teaching my grandma how to edit her videos and images but the information never fully is retained. Therefore I made this video with the thought to break it down to the base form so that even those with little to no understanding would be able to have a greater idea of how to edit their videos. With little to no help aside from the video.
  • It impacted the way I went about the video because, if I were to explain this video to people in their late teens, or early adult lives, I would assume most if not all have a greater understanding of video editing because of the use of social media. Therefore I would have discussed the software in greater detail such as how to overlap outside audio and visuals, or the additional functions that can be used to edit the quality of the images or video. However, because I was discussing it with the mindset that people with no knowledge on the topic would watch it, I was ensuring that I only discussed the basics and didnt overcomplicate it.