Although instruction has traditionally emphasized verbal modes of presentation
(such as lectures and printed books), recent advances in graphics technology now
allow more widespread incorporation of visual modes of presentation including
illustrations, charts, photos, animation, and video in presentations and in interactive
venues such as games and simulations. However, not all graphics are equally
effective so careful research is needed to pinpoint principles of multimedia instructional design. The goal of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of 12 research-‐based principles for how to design effective instruction that uses words
and graphics.