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25 - The Collaboration Principle in Multimedia Learning

from Part VI - Principles Based on Social and Affective Features of Multimedia Learning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 November 2021

By
Jeroen Janssen ,
Femke Kirschner  and
Paul A. Kirschner
Edited by
Richard E. Mayer  and
Logan Fiorella
Richard E. Mayer
Affiliation:
University of California, Santa Barbara
Logan Fiorella
Affiliation:
University of Georgia
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Summary

The collaboration principle in multimedia learning states that collaborative learning is most effective when the distribution advantage learners experience during collaborative learning (i.e., the cognitive benefit learners experience from being able to share the burden of information processing with team members) is larger than the transaction costs learners also experience (i.e., the cognitive demands placed on individual learners due to the need to communicate, coordinate, and regulate their actions). The design of multimedia environments may affect the outcomes of collaborative learning in a positive way, for example, by increasing the distribution advantage of learners by offering tools that facilitate sharing of information, or by lowering the transaction costs of collaboration by offering tools for effective communication.

Keywords

collaboration principledistribution advantagetransaction costscollaborative cognitive load theorycollective working memorymutual cognitive interdependence
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning , pp. 304 - 312
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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