In class this week, we learned about both multimedia learning theory, and image editing. This is some of the information that I learned and my main takeaways from the lesson.

 

Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning:

 

  • This theory explains that people have to separate channels for processing information. These channels are auditory and visual, which refer to hearing and sight.

 

  • Each channel has a maximum capacity or capability.

 

  • While you are learning, you are actively filtering, selecting, organizing, and integrating the new information into your previous knowledge.

 

Multimedia Learning Hypothesis:

 

  • It is hypothesized that people learn better when words are accompanied by pictures.

 

For example:

Thoughtful, committed citizens by Visual Thinkery is licenced under CC-BY-ND

 

If you look at this photo by Bryan Mathers, you will see a combination of words and pictures. If you remove one of these elements, either the writing or the images, the photo loses most of its meaning. When working in unison, writing and photos can enhance the knowledge and meaning to the reader or learner. As an educator, it is important to incorporate multimedia into your teaching. Not only will it enhance students’ learning, it will also make learning more interesting and enjoyable.

 

Image Editing:

One of the most interesting things that I learned from the image editing lesson, and my big takeaway, is that you can edit images in powerpoint! I never thought of powerpoint being used for anything other than a powerpoint presentation. I always thought that I needed to use photoshop to edit images together and I never wanted to pay for that software, so having this new capability is very exciting. The featured image on my post was made by simply putting photos from unsplash together in powerpoint. First, I used the magic select tool to select the background for my photos, and then delete them, which turned them into png images and the background was transparent. Then, I added them all together on powerpoint and it looks like something made on photoshop.