Psychological expedient of multimedia in blended learning and metamemory satisfaction

Purpose Multimedia facilitates knowledge acquisition, which has a significant impact on students' learning and is a big potential of information and communication technology. Learning through multimedia has psychological benefits for the learner in addition to being used for recreational learning. To define the cognitive theory of multimedia in successful learning and to develop the study's hypothesis, this study aims to focus on the psychological expedients of the learner and their perception of multimedia learning. Design/methodology/approach The longitudinal study was conducted to understand the effect of the use of multimedia applications in learning on blended learning and the metamemory satisfaction of learners. The data were collected in three phases and analysed on partial least squares structural equation modelling 4 software. Findings Learners' use of multimedia applications is positively connected with their perceptions of themselves as critical thinkers and their attitudes towards learning. Blended learning and the satisfaction of metamemory are directly impacted by the learner's attitude. The same is true for how critical thinking self-perception affects blended learning. Additionally, the association between the use of multimedia applications and one's critical thinking self-perception is positively moderated by mindfulness. Similarly, conscientiousness influences the connection between attitude and metamemory satisfaction in a favourable way. Finally, metamemory satisfaction is positively and significantly impacted by blended learning. Research limitations/implications Learning through multimedia affects the sensory system and then imitates the real world which helps in a better understanding of the stimuli. The psychological effects and applications (rational utilization of perception, memory and emotions) are highlighted which shows scrutiny of the multimedia content in effective learning. Originality/value Multimedia learning helps in gaining attention, increasing retention and improving comprehension resulting in remembering the content and boosting effective learning. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one to look into how the usage of multimedia effects blended learning and metamemory satisfaction in terms of learners' attitudes and perceptions. It also discusses two phenomena: the multimodality of human perception and the so-called polyphony of reality in the emergence of this new technology.