Learning Log #2

Static Multimedia Tutorial

Use of the Contiguity Principle – using the static images with a tutorial

One of the key most literal components to college access, is access to the college by means of an application. You quite literally can’t get into college without completing the admissions application! You would be surprised how this somewhat menial task could create a barrier to access for some students and families. In an effort to effectively educate families on this process, I chose to implement Clark and Mayer’s research to create a tutorial. Clark and Mayer in E-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning (4^th ed). explain that learning is more salient when words and pictures are presented together. In the past I have given a step-by-step lengthy guide to navigate this online application process and there are still confused students and parents. I have learned that less is more. The authors show the research that supports by reducing the cognitive load, it creates an ease of data consumption and understanding. By means of the contiguity principle, I hope to alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding a college application by giving a visual of the actual screens that they will encounter.

There was intentional placing of arrows and text on the screen. The arrows indicate where the student is to click on the application. The arrows also provide text of the task. There were additional text boxes on some pages to give tips and useful pointers of information that will be needed to get through the following pages. In my experience, when students are forewarned prior to interacting with content, it gives them somewhat of an expectation and ease into the action needed. Again, I use this as a means to reduce barriers.

My intended audience for this tutorial is students and families that are looking to complete an online application. This is institution-specific, but there is a hope that it still provides a resource to provide education to the process as well as alleviate some anxiety about the process. The tutorial can be viewed here and is publicly available to anyone with the link.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this tutorial, students will be able to:

• Create an account
• Start and submit an online application for a postsecondary institution

Reference:

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2016). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning