“What is multimedia, and how can I use it in self-paced learning?”
“What authoring tools can I use to create multimedia?”
“What visual design principles should I use to create multimedia?”
“How can I practice my multimedia development skills?”
Media is often used in learning to deliver content. For instance, learners may complete an eLearning course that is composed entirely of various forms of media: audio, animations, videos, interactions, etc. In classroom and independent study situations, facilitators may use step-by-step instructional videos or storytelling videos to deliver new content or emphasize key concepts shared previously.
Through this lesson, you will learn how to develop multimedia to emphasize key concepts in a self-study lesson.
What is multimedia, and how can I use it in self-paced learning?
Multimedia is media that includes any combination of text, audio, visuals, and interactions. Examples include instructional videos, animations, click-to-reveal interactions, infographics, interactive PDFs, and more. Learning designers may use multimedia to emphasize essential concepts, illustrate application-based scenarios, share examples, provide practice exercises, and track learning progress or learner participation.
What authoring tools can I use to create multimedia?
Multimedia can be custom created by developers; however, authoring tools that are relatively easy to learn are also available. Some tools are used to create full eLearning courses, whereas other tools are used to create multimedia that can be incorporated into eLearning courses or used in other learning delivery methods (e.g. classroom training, asynchronous online learning, Webinars).
Common authoring tools used by learning designers include the following:
Articulate 360 (e.g. Storyline, Rise)
Adobe Suite (e.g. Captivate)
Canva is another option for creating multimedia for learning experiences. While it is not considered an industry standard authoring tool, designers may find use for it. For instance, most multimedia (e.g. videos, infographics, carousels) at LXDFactory.com is created using Canva.
What visual design principles should I follow when developing multimedia?
Visual design principles help to create multimedia that is both aesthetically appealing and easy to understand. When developing multimedia, you’ll want to follow these visual design principles:
Contrast
Apply different colors or elements to create strong focal points and add variety.
Balance
Distribute the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space evenly.
Hierarchy
Arrange elements to indicate their order of importance.
Repetition
Use the same (or similar) elements multiple times.
Alignment
Place multiple elements in line with each other.
Proximity
Organize similar elements close together to create connections.
White space
Add empty space around content and/or elements.
Minimalism
Simplify and use only elements that are imperative to the design.
To learn more about visual design principles and multimedia development, refer to these books:
The Non-Designer’s Design Book, by Robin Williams
Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All, by Tom and David Kelley
Visual Design for Online Learning, by Torria Davis
Multimedia-based Instructional Design, by William Lee and Diana Owens
E-learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning, by Ruth Clark and Richard Mayer
100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know about People, by Susan Weinschenk
How can I practice my multimedia development skills?
There are a variety of resources available to help you practice multimedia development skills. Consider signing up for the following free trials of online courses, authoring tools and resources:
Free trials
Adobe Suite (e.g. Captivate)
Articulate 360 (e.g. Storyline, Rise)
Inspiration and support resources
Multimedia development courses:
Stock media resources:
Summary and next steps
Learning designers can use multimedia to emphasize key concepts for learners. Not only does multimedia often increase learner engagement, but it can also be used to enhance learning. Consider using multimedia–like audio podcasts, videos, interactions, and animations–to improve learning experiences for your audiences. While custom development using code may be an option for some, many learning designers turn to user-friendly authoring tools to develop multimedia themselves. With a little practice, you’ll soon be able to create engaging multimedia.
Now that you are familiar with developing multimedia, continue to the next lesson in LXD Factory’s Learn the basics series: Conduct a quality assurance review.
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