A zoom teaching experiment using CTML principles of multimedia design

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine how online synchronous teaching using Zoom might be enhanced by incorporating multimedia principles from the cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML). A live lecture teaching experiment was conducted where students were randomly assigned to attend a standard lesson on Zoom (control condition) or the same lesson but with the multimedia principles (signaling, embodiment, and generative activity principles) applied throughout lesson (treatment condition). Results revealed a direct effect of teaching with CTML principles on students’ learning, but there was no evidence for an indirect effect through working memory overload. Additionally, students had more affect toward the (same) instructor who taught with added CTML principles. Pedagogical implications and advice are offered for instructors who teach using Zoom.