People learn more deeply from words and graphics than from words alone. This assertion can be called the multimedia principle, and it forms the basis for using multimedia instruction-that is, instruction containing words (such as spoken text or printed text) and graphics (such as illustrations, charts, photos, animation, or video) that is intended to foster learning (Mayer, 2009). For example, Figure 1 shows frames from a narrated animation on how a tire pump works. In this case the words are

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... oken and the graphics are presented as an animation. Other examples include textbook lessons presented on paper, slideshow presentations presented face-­-to-­-face, captioned video presented via computer, or educational games and simulations presented on hand-­-held devices. Regardless of presentation medium, what makes all these examples of multimedia instruction is that they use words and graphics to promote learning.