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

8.1. Use Conversational Rather Than Formal Style

Does it help or hurt to change printed or spoken text from formal style to conversational style? Would the addition of a friendly on-screen coach distract from or promote learning? In this chapter, we explore research and theory that directly address these issues.

Consider the lesson introduction shown in Figure 8.1. As you can see, an on-screen agent uses an informal conversational style to introduce the lesson. This approach resembles human-to-human conversation. Of course, learners know that the character is not really in a conversation with them, but they may be more likely to act as if the character is a conversational partner. Now, compare this with the introduction shown in Figure 8.2