How Multimedia Learning theories can positively influence my comic
When i read about the assignment in which we’d be making a comic for learning, i instantly thought about the fun visuals and dialogues. I used to read lot of marvel comics and i understood that i need to think about how people can learn more effectively from words and picture together and where Mayer’s Cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML) comes in. Also, i need to make sure that i don’t overload my readers with excessive information which might lead them to entirely miss the main point. According the CTML, how we design the information and material directly impacts the how much can readers learn.
CTML tells us that learning works better if we manage three things:
Cognitive load: Our brain has small working memory and can only focus on so much at once. For example, if my panels are loaded with random details, my readers might tune out.
Dual Coding: The processing of information happens through two ways: words and visuals. Comics combine those two views together.
Active Processing: When we learn something new, we tend to filter and organize information while trying to connect the information together. I am thinking to make the layout of comic easy to follow with connecting information.
Readers have limited cognitive resources and if there are so many instructions or information, readers will tired before reaching to the main message. Some of the principle mentioned in CTML can be very useful in these situations. One of them principle that caught my attention was Signaling where the use of arrows or panel highlights helps readers to focus on particular information and Segmenting, according to which instead of dumping all the information in one block, it helpful to divide information into multiple blocks which will help readers to focus more.
Also, CTML theories taught me that comics are not all about looking good with pictures and jokes but to write it in a way that makes reader’s to understand your underlying message clearly.
Hey Neeraj! I thought it was pretty cool you used to read a lot of Marvel comics and you tied it into Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML). I think you will absolutely have an advantage when making these comics considering how familiar you are with the layout and how much content and image will be more pleasant and easy to follow for the readers. I especially appreciated the way you explained dual coding and how it pairs so well with comic strips having both visual and text aspects to support learning (or entertainment).
One suggestion for your comic panel I think is maybe using your point in signaling and how arrows can highlight a specific panel to guide the reader’s attention. I remember reading Japanese Novels (manga) for the first time and was very confused which panel to read after. I also found out that the books start from the back, whereas in the west we usually start on the front.
Do you think that segmenting panels into smaller chunks might help the suspense and make the comic be both fun and engaging without too many details?
Thanks for your post! It was a good read.
First of all, if you completed a single Japanese Novel, you have my respect! they are loaded with so much information and visuals i always gets lost and forgets where it begins or ends. and cutting down information into smaller chunks will increase suspense because we can focus more on every single aspects making sure to not overload readers.
Again, thank you for your feedback!
Hi Neeraj! I really like how you connected CTML principles to your comic design, especially the point about signaling and segmenting. I agree that adding arrows or highlights can really guide the reader’s attention and prevent them from getting lost in numerous details. It reminds me of when I work with statistics—if I present a big table of numbers, people get overwhelmed, but if I use a well-labeled graph with clear highlights, the main point becomes much easier to see.
I have another question — do you think signaling might sometimes risk oversimplifying the content, or do you see it as mostly beneficial in helping readers focus?
Hi Yiran, Thanks for the feedback! That is very true. At my workplace, I have to do weekly reports in Excel. I am so confused every time because the tables and graphs are very messy. My feedback to my manager is always the same: please make the table clearer and easier!! He laughs me off every time, hahaha.
Answer to your question – it depends on what type of information we are trying to convey and how we are conveying it. Sometimes, too many visuals can create a distraction but if we are trying to break down an abstract topic, they are greatly helpful.
Hi Neeraj, thanks for sharing your workplace example! I can totally relate — messy tables or graphs can be really overwhelming. I like how you pointed out that the usefulness of visuals depends on the type of information. It’s a great reminder that while clarity is key, visuals can still play a powerful role when breaking down abstract or complex topics. Appreciate your thoughtful response!