Partial profile · Book Profile — full narrative profile planned
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning
A comprehensive guide that translates decades of cognitive science research into evidence-based principles for designing effective e-learning experiences that manage cognitive load and foster deep learning.
A profile of this book is on the way.
What it’s about
e-Learning and the Science of Instruction is the essential playbook for designers, developers, and consumers of digital learning who want to move beyond fads and create training that truly works. Authors Ruth Colvin Clark and Richard E. Mayer, a leading researcher in the field, distill complex cognitive theory into a clear set of practical, proven guidelines for using words, graphics, audio, and interactivity. The book provides an evidence-based framework for managing learners' cognitive load, fostering psychological engagement, and avoiding common design pitfalls that inadvertently hinder comprehension. By mastering principles for multimedia, practice, collaboration, and even game design, readers will learn how to ensure their e-learning is not just technologically advanced but psychologically sound and instructionally effective, leading to measurable skill improvement and a clear return on investment.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- An instructional designer, e-learning developer, trainer, or manager responsible for creating or procuring effective workforce training. They want to create learning experiences that are not only engaging but demonstrably lead to improved skills and job performance, proving the value of their work.
- The problem
- They are tasked with designing e-learning but are bombarded with conflicting advice, fads, and pressure to use the latest technologies without clear evidence of what actually works to improve learning. They feel uncertain, frustrated, and inefficient, worrying that they are creating expensive 'page-turners' that overwhelm or bore learners, ultimately failing to produce a tangible return on investment.
- The plan
- Understand the Science of Learning: Learn the core cognitive principles of how people process information in multimedia environments (i.e., dual channels, limited capacity, and cognitive load).
- Apply the Multimedia Principles: Master the set of evidence-based guidelines for using visuals, audio, and text to reduce cognitive overload and foster deep understanding (e.g., Coherence, Modality, Contiguity).
- Implement Effective Instructional Methods: Learn how to design and deploy powerful instructional strategies like worked examples, practice with feedback, collaboration, and learning games in ways that are proven to be effective.
- The payoff
- Becoming a confident, evidence-based practitioner who creates highly effective e-learning. · Developing courses that lead to measurable skill improvement and knowledge transfer. · Seeing employees become more competent and engaged in their learning.
Related profiles we’ve built
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- Online Teaching at Its Best Merging Instructional Design with Teaching and Learning Research →
- The Six Disciplines of Breakthrough Learning How to Turn Training and Development into Business Results →
- The Systematic Design of Instruction →