The principle of multiple representations is applied in CAST's experimental Web page with user preferences determining the way the page is presented. But multiple representations go much further. Like most Web pages, the one shown here includes text and graphics, but Kreiger has given users many display choices, such as text and image size, background contrast, audio and video captioning, and language.
Users select the options they want from the preferences page.
Thus, multiple representations, when built into information, send the message that all learners are included in the information access and retrieval process. The challenge is in finding the most effective ways to represent information in multiple forms. It is not always straight-forward to transform information from one medium to another, as each medium has its own particular characteristics. This discussion centers around the Web-based version of Interfaces, shown here at right. In this example of multiple representations, users can navigate through the newsletter by clicking on the headings along the top of the page.