E-Learning and the Science of Instruction, 3rd edition (2011)
Ruth C. Clark and Richard E. Mayer
Are you new to e-Learning design and trying to gain some insight on what makes for effective e-Learning? Or are you looking for ways to tweak your existing work?
If you don’t already own a copy of Clark and Mayer’s e-Learning and the Science of Instruction, then you should check out the most recent edition. In the third edition, the authors present their various principles and guidelines, supported by the most recent research, to guide the design of effective e-learning materials.
The book is very user-friendly and easy to navigate. Each chapter begins with a list of key points to be covered, along with a design dilemma to set the stage. The chapter topic is then outlined and discussed in terms of relevant research findings. There are times when the authors could be more economical with explanations–but the end result is an wealth of information for the less experienced e-Learning designer.
Examples are provided to connect the principles to actual practice. At the close of each chapter, the design dilemma is once again presented and resolved using the points covered in the chapter.
The key topics in the book are:
- Multimedia Principle – Use words and graphics together instead of words alone.
- Contiguity Principle -Place or sync relevant words and/or audio with accompanying graphics.
- Modality Principle – Use audio narration as opposed to on-screen text.
- Redundancy Principle -Avoid using text AND audio to do the same job of a visual.
- Coherence Principle -Avoid using extraneous material that can result in distraction or cognitive overload.
- Personalization Principle – Use conversational style in text/narration and provide a virtual coach/guide.
- Segmenting Principle -Break longer lessons into manageable chunks for the learner.
- Pre-Training Principle -Ensure that learners know all key terms and characteristics of what is being learned.
- Use of Examples & Practice – Why worked examples and practice are important and how to implement effectively.
- Collaborative Learning – When collaborative learning is appropriate and techniques.
- Thinking Skills – How to use authentic, whole-task instruction in e-learning design to build thinking skills.
- Simulations and Games – When and where games/simulations can be an asset in e-learning and how to implement effectively.
Happy designing!
