Cross-Platform Learning

Abstract

This chapter examines how children use, and learn from, multiple media, otherwise known as cross-platform learning. To this end, it presents the results of a two-part study of cross-platform learning that investigated children's use of related, multiple media platforms and assessed learning from combined use of these platforms. The study yields important insights about how learning from multiple media platforms compares to learning from a single medium, as well as how cross-platform educational media projects can be designed to build on the strengths of each medium so that the media components best complement and support each other. Two types of transfer of learning that can operate in cross-platform learning are highlighted: applying content acquired from educational media to improve performance in posttest assessment tasks and applying content acquired from one form of educational media to produce richer engagement with a second educational media platform.