The modality principle says that when you are presenting an image or video it is actually more effective not to include words. When words and an image are used in a presentation the student is overwhelmed and has more difficulty processing what is being taught. When only a picture and spoken word are presented the learner can process the image with their eyes and the words with their ears and they are more likely to understand and remember what is being taught.

There are situations where it is alright to use printed text such as when presenting a mathematical formula. The Modality Principle also does not apply when words are presented without a corresponding picture or in the case of a practice exercise or a situation where instructions need to be given for an exercise.

There are a few more exceptions to the Modality Principle. If you are accommodating the hearing impaired it may be necessary to make changed to your presentation and add printed text. Another possible reason not to follow this principle would be to accommodate a slow internet connection or restrictions on file size.

When you plan to use spoken audio to explain a picture, graphic or movie do not add text as it is redundant. By adding text you are overloading the visual channels and research shows that the learner is not as likely to retain as much information as using just an image and spoken word.

The Modality Principle & The Redundancy Principle By Carly Barnes Edtech 513

The Modality Principle & The Redundancy Principle Objective: At the end of the lesson the student will understand the Modality and the Redundancy Principle and be able to correctly identify the principle being used.

The Modality Principle

The Redundancy Principle

Exceptions to the rule: When there are no pictorial presentations on a page Learning disabled Non-native English speakers When verbal information contains new words or is long and complex

Let’s see what you know…

Which of the following best describes the redundancy principle? Teachers should write out everything that they say to make sure that the students get everything. Teachers should not add printed text to their presentations, but should require students to write down every word that they say. Presentation that include graphics should not include printed text as that is redundant.

Which of the following best describes the redundancy principle? Teachers should write out everything that they say to make sure that the students get everything. Teachers should not add printed text to their presentations, but should require students to write down every word that they say. Presentation that include graphics should not include printed text as that is redundant.

Which of the following best describes the modality principle? When an on screen graphic is included on screen words are not needed, but It is ok to include text to explain directions to a practice exercise. Graphics and printed words should always be included to best meet the needs of all learning styles. Presentation should not include graphic or printed words and should only include audio.

Which of the following best describes the modality principle? When an on screen graphic is included on screen words are not needed, but It is ok to include text to explain directions to a practice exercise. Graphics and printed words should always be included to best meet the needs of all learning styles. Presentation should not include graphic or printed words and should only include audio.