Why mixed media is not a luxury, but a necessity

Author

Monique van der Wal

Date

January 27, 2025

Reading time

4 min.

Themes

e-learning, interactive video, animation, infographic

Whether it’s a movie, a book, or a house, the best creations give the feeling of being complete. We don’t want to compare e-learning to an Oscar-winning production, but we do strive for the complete picture. Where e-learnings used to consist mainly of text and images, they are now filled with videos, animations, heatmaps, and short texts. This is also referred to as mixed media. Do you really need mixed media? Absolutely!

Whether it concerns a movie, a book, or a house, the best creations give the feeling that they are complete. Now we don't want to compare e-learning to an Oscar-winning production, but we do strive for the complete picture. Where e-learnings used to mainly consist of text and images, they are now full of videos, animations, heatmaps, and short texts. This is also known as mixed media. Do you really need mixed media? Absolutely!

What is mixed media?

The term ‘mixed media’ leaves little to the imagination. It is a combination of different types of content within an e-learning.

An example is a page about how a carbon monoxide detector works. You start with a short text about the dangers of carbon monoxide. Then there is a video showing how a carbon monoxide detector registers a high level. Through an animation, it becomes clear how quickly people become unconscious from carbon monoxide, and a table shows the different limit values. You conclude with an interactive video in which the presenter poses some questions.

In this way, thanks to the use of mixed media, you have an informative and attractive page. This creates a richer, more dynamic learning environment.

What is mixed media?

The term 'mixed media' leaves little to the imagination. It is a combination of different types of content within an e-learning.

An example is a page about how a carbon monoxide detector works. You start with a brief text about the dangers of carbon monoxide. Then follows a video showing how a carbon monoxide detector registers a high level. Through an animation, it becomes clear how quickly people can become unconscious from carbon monoxide, and a table displays the various threshold values. You conclude with an interactive video in which the presenter asks several questions.

In this way, thanks to the use of mixed media, you have an informative and engaging page. This creates a richer, more dynamic learning environment.

The Power of Diversity in Media

We can somewhat imagine that you are now thinking that mixed media is primarily a luxury. After all, it is about conveying the message, and how you do that should not matter much. We must disappoint you; for the human brain, it is indeed much better to present media in various ways.

Diverse education experts and psychologists, including Richard Mayer, endorse this in his Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. Mayer argues that people learn more effectively from multimedia instruction (such as images and text) due to the combination of verbal and visual information that leads to integrated mental representations. The theory is based on the principles that information is processed through two channels (visual and verbal), and that working memory is limited, which forms the basis for his design principles to optimize learning, such as omitting extraneous information and applying signaling.

"Mixed media is no longer an addition, but a requirement. Learning becomes fast, effective, and attractive."

Why is mixed media a necessity?

E-learnings can be followed in a classroom setting, but by far the majority take the module individually. It goes without saying that not everyone learns in the same way. Some are visually oriented, while others learn better by listening or performing a task. By offering different media, you allow for multiple learning styles. This not only increases the effectiveness of the training but also its inclusivity.

Mixed media also helps to maintain attention. It is a fact that we increasingly have trouble staying focused. When someone is taking an e-learning course at home, a message, an email, or a question from partners or housemates can come in at any moment. You can't prevent that, but what you can do is create an e-learning course that is so engaging that messages, emails, and even partners are ignored.

How do you do that? By using mixed media. Variation in content formats breaks the monotonous flow of information and encourages active participation.

Students remember information better

Various studies show that people remember information better when it is received through multiple senses. This is called multimodal learning. Presenting the same message in different ways, such as text and video, enhances the learning process.

Why is mixed media a necessity?

E-learnings can be followed in class, but by far most people follow the module individually. It goes without saying that not everyone learns in the same way. Some are visually oriented, while others learn better by listening or performing a task. By offering different media, you accommodate multiple learning styles. This not only increases the effectiveness of the training but also the inclusivity.

Mixed media also helps to maintain attention. It is a fact that we have more and more trouble staying focused. If someone is following an e-learning at home, a message, an email, or a question from partners or housemates can come in at any moment. You can't prevent that, but what you can do is create an e-learning that is so engaging that the messages, emails, and even partners are ignored.

How do you do that? By using mixed media. Variation in content forms breaks the monotonous flow of information and stimulates active participation.

Students remember the information better

Diverse studies show that people remember information better when it is received through multiple senses. This is called multimodal learning. By presenting the same message in different ways, such as text and video, the learning process is enhanced.

Examples of mixed media in e-learnings

Gamification can be a powerful element in an e-learning, provided it is implemented thoughtfully. Poorly applied gamification can backfire. This can lead to too much competition, causing users to drop out, or gamification that is used solely to make the e-learning visually appealing.

We have three concrete examples of mixed media in e-learnings. You might still think that mixed media certainly offers opportunities, but that there is a lot involved. With these examples, we demonstrate that it is quite manageable.

Onboarding with mixed-media videos

In an onboarding or training for new employees, colleagues explain the functioning of their workplace. These videos are supported by interactive questions about corporate values and of course texts and images.

ENGIE

How does the Merit Order work? In this video, Chesron explains it to you!

View

ENGIE

How does the Merit Order work? In this video, Chesron explains it to you!

View

ENGIE

How does the Merit Order work? In this video, Chesron explains it to you!

View

Technical training with animations and interactive videos

Technicians receive explanations about the operation of a boiler. Doing this through text is complicated. The combination of technical information, animations with step-by-step plans and simulations in which technicians must virtually solve problems works much better.

WeTechnology

With a good introduction, the student is immediately drawn into the story.

View

WeTechnology

With a good introduction, the student is immediately drawn into the story.

View

WeTechnology

With a good introduction, the student is immediately drawn into the story.

View

Safety training with storytelling

Here we take the safety regulations of a construction site as an example. These texts can be quite boring, but not if you transform them into captivating animations.

Schouten Technology

Fix explains the 8 most important safety themes in a fun way.

View

Schouten Technology

Fix explains the 8 most important safety themes in a fun way.

View

Schouten Technology

Fix explains the 8 most important safety themes in a fun way.

View

Points of Attention for Mixed Media

Mixed media is a sheer necessity, but there are still some pitfalls. Fortunately, you have control over whether you fall into the pit or safely step over it. Be careful not to exaggerate with mixed media. Too much media at once can be overwhelming and leads to an overload of stimuli. Ensure a good balance so that the effect is optimal.

Another thing to pay attention to is making mixed media accessible. We mean, among other things, subtitles and audio descriptions. In a well-designed e-learning with mixed media, the offerings are not only varied but also user-friendly and well thought out.

Mixed Media is the New Standard

E-learning started out as a digital book with a test at the end. Modern e-learning is a fully-fledged learning platform that activates all the senses, simulates experiences, and truly retains knowledge. We can conclude that mixed media is no longer an addition but a requirement.

Mixed media is the key to success. Learning becomes fast, effective, and attractive. Organizations that genuinely want their employees to learn and grow can no longer ignore this approach.

Points of Attention for Mixed Media

Mixed media is a pure necessity, but there are still some pitfalls. Fortunately, you have control over whether you fall into the pit or step safely over it. Be careful not to overdo it with mixed media. Too much media at once is overwhelming and leads to an overload of stimuli. Ensure a good balance so that the effect is optimal.

What you also need to pay attention to is making mixed media accessible. We are referring, among other things, to subtitles and audio descriptions. In a well-designed e-learning with mixed media, the offering is not only varied but also user-friendly and well thought out.

Mixed Media is the New Standard

E-learning originally started as a digital book with a test at the end. Modern e-learning is a full-fledged learning platform where all senses are activated, experiences are simulated, and the knowledge truly sticks. We can conclude that mixed media is no longer an addition, but a requirement.

Mixed media is the key to success. Learning becomes fast, effective, and attractive. Organizations that truly want their employees to learn and grow can no longer ignore this approach.

About the author

Monique studied illustration and then completed a master's in fine arts. At Indall, she works as a creative, specializing in graphic design. She develops concepts and infographics, among other things, to make technical content practically understandable.

Reach out!

Monique van der Wal

creative