Multimedia and Learning: Patterns of Interaction

Many people argue that interactive multimedia has the potential to create high quality learning environments which actively engage the learner, thereby promoting deep learning. However there is little reported empirical evidence to support this claim. This paper explains some interactive techniques commonly used for educational applications and describes the results of experimental trials into learner learning using these techniques. Our results show that whilst there is some evidence that the use of interactive multimedia can aid learner learning, its effect and benefits are not as clear cut as its proponents suggest.