Enhancing
with
Audio
 Many
available
development
programs
make
the
inclusion
of
audio
in
training
easier
to
do
than
ever.
Experts
believe
that
the
addition
of
audio
increases
the
learner’s
understanding
and
retention
by
the
involvement
of
the
additional
sense.
Experts
also
agree
that
care
is
required
in
the
decision
to
use
audio
and
how
it
is
used.
The
Modality
Principle
describes
how
the
proper
use
of
audio
increases
retention
by
complimenting
the
visual.
Audio
is
best
used
to
describe
a
visual
on
the
screen.
The
presentation
of
both
complex
images
and
text
are
difficult
to
take
in.
It’s
difficult
to
read
and
look
at
an
image
at
the
same
time.
It
is
easier
to
look
at
the
image
while
listening
to
the
explanation.
The
use
of
audio
also
decreases
the
demand
on
the
visual
pathways.
We
take
in
information
through
both
hearing
and
sight.
Both
audio
and
visual
pathways
have
limited
levels
of
capacity.
When
one
is
over
stimulated,
the
pathway
goes
into
a
state
of
overload,
decreasing
both
understanding
and
retention.
When
audio
is
used
to
decrease
visual
stimulation,
for
example,
by
removing
text
from
the
screen
and
presenting
it
in
audio,
the
visual
input
is
a
more
manageable
volume.
Audio
also
adds
depth
and
personality
to
complex
explanations,
narratives
and
testimonials.
The
words
are
enhanced
with
emotion
and
punctuation.
This
is
extremely
valuable
when
seeking
to
convince
the
audience
of
something.
Make
Wise
Choices
On
the
other
side
of
the
table
is
the
belief
that
audio
can
lead
to
distractions,
causing
a
decrease
in
the
learner’s
attention
and
retention.
In
addition,
bandwidth
issues
still
exist
and
updating
audio
is
often
difficult
and
expensive.
There
are
a
few
accepted
guidelines
to
follow
governing
the
application
of
audio
in
online
training
and
include:
•
Audio
is
best
applied
to
explaining
an
image
on
the
screen
with
all
text
removed
•
Audio
is
valuable
in
explaining
complex
concepts
such
as
mathematical
equations
•
Audio
used
in
conjunction
with
screen
text,
explaining
an
image,
pulls
the
learner
into
reading
along
with
the
audio
and
ignoring
the
image
•
Audio
that
presents
long
text
on
the
screen,
that
does
not
refer
to
an
image,
assists
the
user
by
making
the
information
easier
to
take
in
•
Audio
gives
text
a
human
element
and
is
capable
of
connecting
with
the
audience
emotionally
The
somewhat
ease
of
adding
audio
makes
it
tempting
to
use
it
to
call
out
every
direction
in
a
simulation
and
insert
explanations
about
every
graphic.
By
making
decisions
strategically
on
how
to
best
use
audio
in
e-Learning,
it
becomes
a
very
valuable
tool
with
limited
complications.
More
information
on
the
Modality
Theory:
•
Integrating
Modality
Theory
in
Educational
Multimedia
Design
•
Modality
Theory
In
Support
Of
Multimodal
Interface
Design
•
The
Modality
Principle
•
A
Learner-Centered
Approach
to
Multimedia
Explanations:
Deriving
Instructional
Design
Principles
from
Cognitive
Theory
•
Clark,
R.
C.
&
Mayer,
R.
E.
(2003).
Applying
the
Modality
Principle,
In
e-Learning
and
the
Science
of
Instruction
(pp.
83
-95).
San
Francisco:
Pfeiffer.
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