Optimizing Learning Outcomes of Educational Applications Enhanced with Multimedia and Interactive Features: A Review

Educational applications with embedded multimedia elements and interactive features are valuable tools to promote learning. These applications have huge potential as they utilize the principles of multimedia learning that convey information through different sensory modalities and relevant physical activities. Using educational applications is promising, however, they might be challenging to neurodiverse children, since individual differences in core cognitive functions affect learning efficacy when using these apps. To process and integrate multiple multimedia elements and interactive features simultaneously children need advanced working memory capacity and attentional mechanisms. Otherwise, the high number of multimedia elements and interactive features can be overwhelming as well as a source of distraction. There are ways, however, to reduce the impact of individual differences. Based on the literature reviewed, we found that a small number of simple and relevant multimedia elements and interactive features with precise timing decrease the cognitive load and the need for task switching. Furthermore, interactive features should be designed based on existing pedagogical techniques (e.g., immediate feedback). Using careful design, the role of individual differences can be decreased, and a wider audience of children can access the benefits of educational apps.