Multimodal Learning | How it Makes Your Course Engaging

The thing about today’s learners is that giving them information is not enough… What I mean by this is that today’s learners want experiences. That’s why multimodal learning is becoming a better and more popular format among online course creators. 

With multimodal learning, you can create fun experiences for your students, contributing to higher knowledge retention and engagement rates. Throughout this article, we will provide an overview of everything you need to know about multimodal learning, from what it is to how you can practically incorporate it within your courses. 

What is multimodal learning? 

Multimodal learning is teaching a concept through visual, auditory, reading, writing, and kinesthetic methods. It typically aimed not only at enhancing student engagement levels but also at tailoring courses for a wide range of students, considering that everyone absorbs information in a different way. 

The key ideas you should understand to have a better grasp of what multi-modal learning is include the following: 

• Understand that learning styles are diverse. Not all students learn best through only audio or visual material. Some grasp ideas better through images, while others will understand them better if they read about it or do something practical, connecting to the concept introduced. 
• Higher engagement and retention. Multimodal learning has proven to increase student engagement and retention rates. Switching between modes, like moving from a video to an interactive quiz or a group discussion, keeps learners attentive and helps reinforce key concepts from multiple angles.
• Better knowledge retention. When learners are able to experience the idea in different formats or engage with different formats throughout the course, they build stronger cognitive connections. It allows for better digestion of the topic and applying the information later in life. 
• Inclusivity and accessibility. A multimodal approach naturally creates a more accessible course experience, offering alternative formats that support learners with different needs and abilities.

How multimodal learning boosts your course engagement

This section will review how exactly multimodal learning boosts your course engagement levels. 

Activates more senses

One of the most significant advantages of multimodal learning is that it activates more senses. This directly contributes to higher engagement and retention levels. 

For instance, according to Mayer's Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, students learn more effectively when presented using visual and verbal elements, as this approach leverages dual channels for processing information. 

Essentially, the more senses students involve during the learning process, the better they will understand the material. 

Supports different attention spans

Multimodal learning boosts your course engagement by supporting different attention spans.

According to a study conducted by Microsoft, the average human attention span decreased from 12 seconds to 8 seconds back in 2013. One can only imagine how much it has dropped since 2013, with platforms such as TikTok and Instagram reels taking over the media. 

Fighting the issue is, in fact, pointless. What you can and need to do is offer optimal solutions that fit your current audience, which in our case is offering multimodal learning to cater to different attention spans. 

Incorporating diverse content formats, such as videos, interactive quizzes, and discussions, allows you to recapture and maintain learners' attention more effectively.

Makes learning feel more personal 

Finally, it is also worth mentioning that multimodal learning allows for a personal learning experience. Research by McKinsey indicates that 71% of consumers expect personalized interactions, and 76% become frustrated when these expectations aren't met. 

Offering content in various formats, such as videos, readings, and interactive modules, allows learners to choose the method that best suits their preferences, enhancing their overall experience.​

Multimodal learning examples for better course outcomes

Mixing learning methods sounds fun, but you need a clear strategy to create something good. So, let’s take a deeper look at multimodal learning by reviewing some clear examples. 

Video lesson with visual mapping

Video lessons paired with visual maps, including flow charts, mind maps, or diagrams, are an excellent way to help students visualize the information presented. It also helps students clearly see how ideas connect, turning passive listening into active understanding. 

To create a video lesson with visual mapping, make sure to: 

• Plan your main teaching points and create a simple visual (use Canva, Miro, or PowerPoint).
• Record a video where you explain the points while showing and building the visual in real time.
• Keep visuals simple and clear; focus on relationships between ideas.
• Encourage learners to recreate the map themselves after watching.

Podcast-style audio with a visual diagram to fill

Another example of multimodal learning for your course can be a podcast-style audio paired with a visual diagram. For instance, let’s say there is an audio lesson students can purchase and listen to. Well, you can pair that essay with a fill-in-the-blanks type of diagram or outline that students need to complete throughout the lesson. This one again will help to turn passive listening into active engagement. 

“If you build your audience on your podcast, I am going to suggest that we still have video content, but primarily we're also going to convert the lessons into a private podcast list”. 

 

Mariana Peña

Instrcutional Designer

If you incorporate exercises like this, your students will have both audio and writing and reading senses activated, which will contribute to better retention of the material. 

Here is a brief overview of the steps to create a podcast-style audio lesson with a visual diagram: 

• Record a clear, engaging audio explaining a concept step-by-step.
• Create a downloadable worksheet or diagram with key sections blank.
• Guide students through filling it in as they listen.
• Offer a final completed version afterward so they can check their work.

For instance, Cathy Heller's "Made to Do This" program incorporates audio lessons with accompanying worksheets, guiding learners through exercises to identify their passions and business ideas. ​

Video tutorial followed by a practical assignment

A step-by-step video demonstration of a task, immediately followed by an assignment where learners apply what they've learned. ​It is one of the best methods to ensure students understand the material and are clearly aware of its practical application. 

Here is a brief overview of the steps to create this type of tutorial: 

• Record a concise tutorial demonstrating a specific skill or process.
• Design an assignment that requires learners to replicate or adapt the demonstrated task.
• Provide clear instructions and criteria for the assignment.
• Offer feedback or a rubric for self-assessment.

Case study with a multiple-choice quiz

Case studies with multiple-choice quizzes are often used in universities to make sure students understand real-world applications of the problems mentioned. You can make a presentation of a real-world scenario or problem, followed by a quiz to assess understanding and application of concepts.​

Here is how to do it: 

• Develop or pick a detailed case study relevant to your course content.
• Design a multiple-choice quiz focusing on key aspects of the case study.
• Include explanations for each answer to reinforce learning.
• Use quiz results to identify areas needing further clarification.

PDF guide with a hands-on project 

Let’s not forget about the power of simple PDF guides and eBooks. A comprehensive written guide that includes instructions for a practical project, allowing learners to apply knowledge tangibly.​ 

Here is how you can create it: 

• Write a detailed guide covering a specific topic or process.
• Design a project that aligns with the guide's content.
• Include step-by-step instructions and necessary resources.
• Provide templates or examples to assist learners.

For instance, Melyssa Griffin offers PDF guides on topics like blogging and online business, each paired with actionable projects to help learners implement strategies effectively.

Conclusion

To summarize today’s article, I wanted to briefly outline the key concepts of multi-modal learning. It revolves around incorporating different learning formats to cater to students' diverse learning styles. 

Besides catering to a diverse audience, it also allows you to keep student engagement and retention rates higher. Finally, multimodal learning will contribute to better knowledge retention, helping your students maximize the value they gain from your courses. This will increase the number of returning students for your business. 

As far as we are talking business, I also would love to drop an amazing recommendation for you as a course creator. Uteach is an all-in-one platform for coaches and course creators tailored to support multimodal learning formats. 

With this platform, you can build and customize your own website, course pages, and landings and leverage features such as marketing automation tools, live functionality, and a seamless payment gateway. Most importantly, you will be able to provide the best and most seamless experiences for your students, scaling your online course creation business. 

If you are eager to learn more about what we have to offer and how we can help your business thrive, schedule a free demo with our team.