Analysis Of Design Of Online Animations In Biochemistry Using A Framework Based On Multimedia Learning Principles

Analysis Of Biochemistry Animations

Abstract

Background: MBBS 1st year students access online animations in Biochemistry which in turn helps them understand the rationale behind diagnosis and management of diseases. However, there is a paucity of studies that have analysed online animations in Biochemistry based on Mayer’s Multimedia learning principles. Our objective was to analyse the design of free online animations in Biochemistry using a framework based on Multimedia Learning Principles that reduce extraneous processing. Material And Methods: In this cross-sectional study, design of 102 online Biochemistry animations was analysed using a framework based on Multimedia learning principles that reduce extraneous processing, and Focus Index (FI) score was calculated. Result: 41.2 % of the animations had a FI score of less than 5, suggesting that these animations do not comply with all Multimedia learning principles. Animations violated individual principles in the range of 11 -17%. Conclusion: Significant proportion (41.2%) of online Biochemistry animations do not comply with all the Multimedia learning principles, suggesting that users of these animations may be distracted by extraneous content in the animations leading to poor learning outcomes. Multimedia learning principles should be incorporated while designing animations to enhance their potential as learning aids for MBBS students. [Ravi Kishore P Natl J Integr Res Med, 2021; 12(6): 59-63]