Our design solution incorporates a thoughtful approach that addresses the coordinator’s needs by providing comprehensive information about the accelerated online Educational Technology program offered at UTRGV. Our instructional design solution is to produce an introduction video to serve as a brief and engaging primer on the field of Educational Technology. It needs to highlight the historical development of the discipline while also explaining its deep roots in learning theory and psychology. It should also discuss the importance those in the field place upon its rigorous standards. Because storytelling, relatable scenarios, and visually appealing content can contribute to a more emotionally engaging learning experience, a well-crafted video can evoke emotions that enhance retention and information retrieval (Tyng et al).
Using informational videos is supported by Paivio’s Dual-Coding Theory, which proposes that the brain processes information using both verbal and nonverbal channels so combining verbal information with visual elements can enhance learning and retention (Sadowski and Paivio, 889).
Richard E. Mayer’s Cognitive Load Theory suggests that a well-designed informational video can lessen extraneous cognitive load by presenting the material in an easy-to-process format, thus permitting learners to focus on understanding the content rather than concentrating on its method of presentation (Mayer and Moreno, 46).
Because informational videos can provide demonstrations, simulations, and real-world examples, they provide learners with an opportunity to learn from others even if they are not in the same physical space. Learning by interacting with others and modeling their behaviors is the central tenet of social cognitive theory, developed by Albert Bandura (LaMort).