Designing and Implementing an Effective Courseware for the Enhancement of e-Learning

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of applying the cognitive theory of multimedia learning in an e-learning environment. Three versions of a course on how to master skills in Adobe Photoshop were designed and given to a sample of (60) students to test their effectiveness. This research sample was divided into three groups. The first was an experimental group that studied the subject through Course Facilitated Multimedia Principles (CFMP), like the multimedia principle, the modality principle and the contiguity principle. The second experimental group studied the subject through Course Not-Facilitated Multimedia Principles (CNFMP), which did not apply the multimedia principle. The last group is a control group that studied the subject through traditional methods. Learning outcomes were determined by achievement test. Differences between pre and post-test scores were analyzed. The results show that the students in the first experimental group had improved their academic achievement by 53.70%, while the students in the second experimental group improved by 45.80%. Finally, the students in the control group had improved their achievement only by 30.5%. The findings affirm that CFMP has more effect on student achievement than the traditional way or the CNFMP. This is an indication that the application of the multimedia principles has improved the students' ability to comprehend, and achieved higher levels in learning. We recommend that educators should continuously examine the effectiveness of their pedagogical strategies and smartly apply technologies to enhance student's learning.