Contextualize how learning informs interactive and multimedia experiences

When I first started this course I originally thought that multimedia just meant creating videos, photos, text and audio, but I’ve realized there’s much more to it. Concepts like Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, Cognitive Load Theory, and Dual Coding Theory helped me understand that multimedia should be designed to support learning not just for the aesthetics. 

I first applied these ideas through my Daily Creates where I experimented with different forms of media and discovered that each can communicate information differently. For example, for my Week 2 audio activities one of the prompts I was responding to asked me to pronounce a very long word without hearing it first. After listening to how that word was actually pronounced I realized I was wayy off. This showed me that hearing a word spoken was much more effective than simply reading it.

My Multimedia Story is where I learned the most about applying multimedia design principles. Before this project I mostly chose photos, videos, and audio because I thought they looked good. Through creating this story I began thinking about how each piece of media could support the story and improve the viewer’s learning experience.

While planning my story I also applied Mayer’s Principles of Multimedia Learning. I used the Coherence Principle by including only media that supported the story and avoiding unnecessary distractions. The Contiguity Principle was applied by placing photos, videos, and audio directly alongside the parts of the story they related to. I followed the Segmenting Principle by organizing the adventure into clear stages that were easy to follow. I also used the Modality Principle by combining visuals with natural audio and narration to create a more immersive experience. Finally, I incorporated the Personalization Principle by telling the story in a more conversational, first person voice to help viewers connect with the adventure more.

This project showed me that every piece of media should have a purpose.I also combined videos and written narration to create a more engaging experience. Learning about Dual Coding Theory helped me understand how words and visuals work together to better support learning. 

Engage in design thinking to create multimedia learning projects

My Multimedia Story was also where the design process concept really clicked. Before this course, I probably would have jumped straight into creating a project without much planning. Through this course I learned that effective multimedia requires planning, testing, reflection, and continuous improvement. 

While creating my story, I naturally followed the design process by planning my adventure, completing a trial run, and reflecting on what worked well and what didn’t afterwards. One of my biggest takeaways was realizing that design isn’t always linear. It isn’t about getting everything perfect the first time. It undergoes a lot of jumping around, looking back and continues development.

Apply storytelling principles in creating effective learning opportunities

Another one of my biggest takeaways from this course was realizing how powerful storytelling can be as a learning tool. As Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano explains, “Digital storytelling is not about creating media, it’s about creating meaning.” That idea really made me think about how I approached my own storytelling in my Multimedia Story.

Rather than just telling my audience about our paddleboarding adventure I wanted viewers to feel like they were there with us. I combined videos, photographs, natural audio, and written narration to create a more immersive feeling and learned that every piece of media should strengthen the story not just make it look better, that’s just a bonus!

Another thing I realized was when I forgot to film some of the moments I had planned because I got so caught up enjoying the actual adventure. I realized those moments made the story feel more authentic and reminded me that meaningful storytelling is about helping people connect with an experience, not capturing everything perfectly.

Describe and apply principles of effective interactive multimedia design

Throughout this course, I learned that effective multimedia design is about creating experiences that are clear and organized. Before this course, I mainly focused on making projects look visually appealing. Now I think more about how my design choices can actually support their learning. 

While creating my Multimedia Story, I carefully organized my media and written reflections so the story flowed naturally and was easy to follow. I did so by using clear headings, conversational language, and a simple layout to keep the focus on the learning experience. I now understand that good multimedia design isn’t about the amount of media you include, but how you use it to support learning.

Generate a variety of prototype artifacts including: comics, videos, and web pages

Throughout EDCI 337, I created a variety of multimedia artifacts that challenged me to think creatively and communicate ideas using different forms of media. Through the Daily Creates, I experimented with videos, audio recordings, photographs, poems, data visualizations, image edits, and blog posts, each activity helping me build new skills and confidence. 

Although many of these projects were small, they gave me the opportunity to experiment with different types of media. Each artifact acted as a prototype that allowed me to test ideas, reflect on my work, and continue improving throughout the course.

Use GenAI appropriately as a tool to support creative activities

I believe an appropriate use of GenAI is to use it to help with checking grammar, brainstorming ideas, organizing thoughts, and creating checklists. I also think GenAI can be used as a great study tool for tests and quizzes. Personally, I have used it to create practice quizzes to improve my active recall and test my knowledge before exams. This helps me identify what areas I am lacking in and need to focus my studying on. I find it makes studying for exams more successful and interactive than just passively rereading my notes.

Challenges and How I Overcame Them

One of my biggest challenges at the beginning of this course was simply learning how to navigate the Opened.ca website. I was so used to using Brightspace that I found the new platform confusing and a little frustrating at first. Since I was also taking EDCI 335 and EDCI 339, which all used the same website, it took me a few days to figure out how everything worked and how to organize all three courses in one place.

I eventually overcame this by creating separate categories and menu tabs for each course, which made my website much easier to navigate. Once I got everything organized, I was even able to customize my blog to reflect my own interests and organize it exactly how I wanted. It felt very overwhelming at the beginning but it actually ended up becoming one of my favourite parts of the course! I honestly loved creating my blog and making it my own.

Another challenge I faced was at the beginning of the course, I focused mostly on making projects look creative or visually appealing. As I learned more about Mayer’s Principles of Multimedia Learning, storytelling, and the design process, I realized It’s about designing with your audience’s experience in mind.

At the beginning of the course I was worried that I wouldn’t be connected enough with my learning pod since we were learning online. We overcame this by creating a group chat where we shared our blog posts, multimedia story drafts, gave each other thoughtful feedback, and pointed out each other’s strengths. This helped me feel much more connected to my peers and made the course more collaborative.

Another little hiccup was while creating my Multimedia Story. Before going on the adventure I was worried I’d be too focused on documenting it that I worried I wouldn’t be able to fully enjoy the experience. Ironically, the opposite happened. Quinn and I became so caught up talking, laughing, and enjoying the day that I forgot to film some of the moments I had planned. At first I saw this as a mistake, but after reflecting on my project, I realized those moments made the story feel much more genuine.

Looking back, these challenges helped me grow the most. They reminded me that thoughtful multimedia design isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating good experiences, reflecting on the process, and continuously improving along the way.

Moving Forward

I don’t know exactly where my future career will take me, but what I do know is that I have developed some really good skills that will continue to be valuable. Whether I’m creating presentations, educational resources, or simply communicating ideas, I’ll always have multimedia design in my back pocket! Thank you for so quickly pulling together a great course!