Five Common but Questionable Principles of Multimedia Learning 1

This chapter describes five commonly held principles about multimedia learning that are not supported by research and suggests alternative generalizations that are more firmly based on existing studies. The questionable beliefs include the expectations that multimedia instruction: 1) yields more learning than live instruction or older media; 2) is more motivating than other instructional delivery options; 3) provides animated pedagogical agents that aid learning; 4) accommodates different learning styles and so maximizes learning for more students; and 5) facilitates student managed constructivist and discovery approaches that are beneficial to learning.