title: Presentation media, information complexity, and learning outcomes
abstract: Multimedia computing provides a variety of information presentation modality combinations. Educators have observed that visuals enhance learning which suggests that multimedia presentations should be superior to text-only and text with static pictures in facilitating optimal human information processing and, therefore, comprehension. The article reports the findings from a 3 (text-only, overhead slides, and multimedia presentation)*2 (high and low information complexity) factorial experiment. Subjects read a text script, viewed an acetate overhead slide presentation, or viewed a multimedia presentation depicting the greenhouse effect (low complexity) or photocopier operation (high complexity). Multimedia was superior to text-only and overhead slides for comprehension. Information complexity diminished comprehension and perceived presentation quality. Multimedia was able to reduce the negative impact of information complexity on comprehension and increase the extent of sustained attention to the presentation. These findings suggest that multimedia presentations invoke the use of both the verbal and visual working memory channels resulting in a reduction of the cognitive load imposed by increased information complexity. Moreover, multimedia superiority in facilitating comprehension goes beyond its ability to increase sustained attention; the quality and effectiveness of information processing attained (i.e., use of verbal and visual working memory) is also significant
keyphrases: presentation media information complexity learning outcomes multimedia computing information presentation modality combinations educators multimedia presentations multimedia presentations static pictures optimal human information processing overhead slides text script acetate overhead slide presentation greenhouse effect photocopier operation sustained attention visual working memory channel cognitive load multimedia superiority cognitive processing limitations human working memory verbal working memory channel multimedia presentation