Multimedia Learning is the use of words and visuals together to support learning. Based on Richard Mayer’s research showing that people learn more effectively from combined text and images than from text alone — provided the design doesn’t overwhelm working memory.
Why it matters#
Adding media to a course isn’t inherently better. Poorly chosen or excessive media increases cognitive load and gets in the way of learning. Mayer’s principles give you specific, evidence-based rules for when and how to use media so it actually helps.