What Multimedia Principle Is
According to Clark and Mayer (2011), the multimedia principle implies that instructional media and presentations should "include both words and graphics" in order to provide a well rounded instructional message. Multimedia presentations with words alone have the tendency to lack the relevant material to allow the reader to make mental image connections with the information often times failing to connect with the learner. Not only does the presentation require a use for graphics with the text, but also holds a requirement that the graphics serve a purpose or meaning towards the lesson intended (Clark & Mayer, 2011, p.67).
How the Example Shows (or Doesn't) Multimedia Principle
The mere addition of photos and images for aesthetically pleasing decorative purpose is not enough, the graphics need to support the text. When incorporating graphics into instruction, a quantitive relationship that is relevant to the intended message should be communicated. Khan Academy is an excellent example of proper use of the multimedia principle.
The example image above shows how the multimedia principle of using both words and images prove useful for the students ability to follow the lesson. On the left of the screen, the graphics of a piece of paper assist the learner in following that this portion of the lesson is written text. On another page of instruction, arrows are used to indicate a video that a student could play to follow the lesson.
The image below, taken from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, shows how the multimedia principle of using both words and images to convey a message to the viewer. In the image top right, the image is of a child with a science kit - below it reads "Be a Scientist". In the image middle right, the image is of a child coloring - below it reads "Coloring". In the image bottom right, the cartoon graphic is of several scientists with a telescope - below it reads "Science Experiments". In the graphic on the left of the page is an image of a child and a world image typically representing environmental points, the text above reads "Kids Environment Kids Health".
Reference
Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2011). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer
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