7 - Coherence Principle #2

Brief Definition

Like Coherence Principle #1, the second one’s point is the same: “interest cannot be added to an otherwise boring lesson like some kind of seasoning” (Clark & Mayer, 2011, p. 161). Coherence Principle #2 refers to keeping e-lessons focused by refraining from adding graphics that do not directly contribute to the instructional goals of the e-lesson.

An Artifact

Bozeman’s Science lesson on Mutations violates Coherence Principle #2. While he does an excellent job of giving an overview of genetic mutations in this 7 minute e-class, I believe he would be even more effective if he had turned off his webcam at the conclusion of the first scene (0:47). Seeing him talk and getting a sense of his gesturing adds a nice touch, but after the initial introduction, it’s distracting. Especially since the topic is complex and there are other words and graphics required for visual comprehension. To make this unnecessary graphic even more distracting, he changes the location of his face throughout the video. See two different locations in the screenshots below.

References

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, CA: Pfeiffer.