Impact of Integrating Multimedia in eLearning: Empowering the Learning Landscape

Did you know the concept of online learning, otherwise known as eLearning, was introduced in 1982? It was in the Western Behavioural Sciences Institute, La Jolla, California where computer conferencing was utilised to provide a distance education program for its newly opened School of Management and Strategic Studies.

Fast forward to today, where eLearning has become a household name. Even more so, post Covid-19 pandemic, has thrusted the world into leaning towards online learning courses. Tracing back its origins, it only makes sense that after all these years eLearning has evolved into so much more than the traditional modes of teaching and learning.

The integration of multimedia education technologies is probably one of the most revolutionary elements that have blessed the online learning landscape. Especially over the last two decades, the subversive onset of technology has opened up incredible opportunities to use multiple media to provide education and enrich the overall experience.

In this blog, we take a look at the way multimedia integration is transforming the eLearning domain for good.

Multimedia in eLearning — Understanding the Context

The combination of multiple media such as texts, images, videos, interactive elements, computer-based applications and more is the core of multimedia in eLearning. Utilising a variety of these media allow educators to communicate their ideas and information.

The goal is to give learners a multi-sensory education that enhances their learning experience. Afterall, it is pretty obvious that the classic text-book or classroom learning isn’t as engaging as using interactive multimedia education.

Multimedia in eLearning has the power to stimulate different cognitive processes and impact positively on learner’s engagement. The use of auditory and visual technologies help in creating an immersive environment that turns out to be an interactive multimedia education.

Why is Multimedia in eLearning More Necessary Than Before?

The world today has significantly moved to an age where the attention spans of individuals are shrinking day-by-day. As a matter of fact, the average human attention span is 8.25 seconds. Just imagine how much one can grasp from a lesson simply by the use of traditional methods of learning.

Adding to this problem, is the overload of information that is available today on the internet. Learners are bombarded with the easy access of materials and information. While it is a great source to do your own research and expand your knowledge horizons, it often becomes overwhelming ruining the whole learning experience.

Last but not the least, the Covid-19 pandemic pushed the world to the confines of homes where quarantining became a necessity of survival. Similar to other areas of life, the education sector took a hit and the industry leaned towards online learning to grapple with the challenges.

There was no turning back, as we humans adapted to this new norm provided eLearning evolved due to the presence of advanced technologies including efficient multimedia integration.

How is Multimedia in eLearning Changing the Learning Experience?

Now, even though multimedia in eLearning is not new, the advent of new technologies and the incredible upgrade of existing ones has definitely changed the concept. Some of the significant ways multimedia technologies is impacting online learning are –

Increased Information Retention

It is reported that viewers remember 95% of the message via a video rather than text. Also, our brain tends to process videos 60,000 times faster compared to static text. These figures are testament to the fact, learners have increased information retention capacity when multimedia elements like videos, animations with audio are used.

Better Learner Engagement

What would you rather prefer? A textual based explanation of a science chapter or a compelling explainer video with compelling visuals. Well, the answer is pretty obvious. Multimedia education has the power to captivate and capture the learner’s attention.

Easy Accessibility to Learning

Harnessing the power of multimedia in eLearning results in making education more widely available to learners around the world. By seamlessly integrating visual and auditory elements, multimedia transforms the learning experience into a captivating journey tailored to diverse preferences and needs. Picture this: for learners with visual impairments, audio descriptions become their guiding light through the educational landscape.

End Thoughts

There are more ways that multimedia education is making waves in eLearning platforms. We at Multiedsupport offer diverse courses to empower your professional and academic journey. Our courses are thorough and tailored to meet the demands of the industry while our offerings utilise multimedia technologies.
If you are interested to learn more about our courses then feel free to get in touch with us.