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

3.8. What We Don't Know About Visuals

We have good evidence that relevant visuals promote learning. Now it's time to find out more about what types of visuals are most effective for different learners and instructional goals. Some of the unresolved issues around graphics include:

1. When is an animation more effective than a static graphic?

2. Most of our research data measures learning immediately after taking the lesson. We need more information on the effectiveness of visuals for longer-term learning.

3. Explanatory visuals can be time-consuming to produce and require an investment in graphic design resources. When are such investments warranted? What are the cost benefits for creating customized visuals to illustrate technical content?

4. Do polished color ...