Emotional design in multimedia learning.

Can multimedia learning environments be designed to foster positive emotions that will improve learning and related affective outcomes? College students (N 118) were randomly assigned to 4 conditions created by 2 factors related to learners ’ emotion: external mood induction (positive vs. neutral emotions) and emotional design induction (positive vs. neutral emotions). A computer-based lesson on the topic of immunization was used as multimedia learning material. Results indicate that applying emotional design principles to learning materials can induce positive emotions and that positive emotions in multimedia-based learning facilitate cognitive processes and learning. Con-trolling for the germane load of the…