Review by: Hasanbegovic, Jasmina (2004-09-06)

Astleitner and Wiesner present an integrated model of multimedia learning and motivation which is based on current research in the field of educational psychology and integrates variables such as mental resources management and motivational resources. Multimedia research, testing similar instructional elements, shows different effects according to different contingent factors which have been shown to moderate multimedia learning effects. Therefore, a theory of multimedia learning has to be established integrating and distinguishing as much as possible factors that contribute to multimedia learning and determine multimedia effectiveness.

The authors review several theoretical models critically and evaluate their advantages and drawbacks. As they emphasize the motivational elements in multimedia learning, they combine Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning with motivational theories like Brünken, Plass & Leutner, Keller, Hoogeveen and Hede. The resulting model of motivation and multimedia learning includes mental resources management and motivational processing influencing Mayer’s mental activities and describes the relations in-between these variables. Finally, the authors provide general predictions drawn from the model which stimulates different areas of multimedia research. First, research dealing with the motivational quality of multimedia elements has to be considered in connecting motivating features of multimedia environments with the postulated theoretical parameters. Second, personality characteristics can be linked with the theoretical components and aptitude-treatment-interaction (ATI) research can be undertaken. Third, the influence of motivational features on cognitive load has to be investigated. As specific predictions, they discuss the phenomenon of “seductive details” which are interesting but irrelevant adjuncts in instructional materials distracting or even disrupting the coherence of a learning process. They also mention motivationally adaptive mechanisms which enable addressing different types of learners.

This article introduces relevant motivational research issues concerning multimedia learning and offers an integrated model of motivation and multimedia learning combining important cognitive and motivational variables. Further research and design is necessary to analyse the interrelations of the involved variables in this integrative model.