Coherence
BackgroundCoherence is an attribute of the elements that add to the meaning or enhances the storyline. Too often, elements become a decoration, which has nothing to do with the message or story. Mayer (2009) conducted research and found that if the NewMedia elements didn't relate to the content, it detracted from learning. Coherence is the link between the meaning of the elements and the storyline; if that is a weak link, then the chance of the correct message getting communicated goes down.
GlitzomaniaThe opposite of coherence is "glitzomania." "Glitzomania" is a term the author invented to describe instances where elements are for the sake of special effects rather than something that enhances the story.
If it doesn't add to the meaning, then eliminate it. |
PurposeMeaningful elements add to the message and enhance the storyline. Comprehension and memory benefit from meaningful multimedia elements (Mayer, 2009).
Avoid glitzomania! Anything you add to representations should add or enhance the message or the story.
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References
Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia learning (2nd ed). New York: Cambridge University Press.