e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning

7.7. Avoid e-Lessons with Extraneous Words

So far we have tried and failed twice to improve a narrated animation by adding a few pieces of interesting material, such as sounds or pictures. In this, our third attempt, the database team considers adding some interesting text about the history of databases, as shown in Figure 7.7. What is the learning impact of adding extra words to a presentation? We answer this question in this section.

Figure 7.7. Text on History of Databases Added to Lesson.

Our third version of the coherence principle recommends that you avoid adding extraneous words to lessons. When the goal is to promote learning of the ...