Metaphors as didactic means for multimedia learning environments

Increasingly, metaphors are becoming important design elements in multimedia learning environments. The didactic potential of metaphors when applied to multimedia learning systems lies in their ability to structure information according to theme and content. They can also facilitate navigation and arouse attention and interest in the subject matter. In order to foster the didactic use of metaphors, a model is developed for levels of metaphor mapping. This is oriented towards a cognitive engineering approach for describing aspects of user interfaces. With respect to this model, the didactic dimensions of width and depth of metaphors are differentiated. It is shown to what extent these dimensions should be taken into account in metaphor conceptions useful for learning in a multimedia environment, ie, structure metaphors and interaction metaphors, in order to enhance learning. Finally, the perspective of hyperworld metaphors is introduced as a useful metaphor conception for the future.