Multimedia Learning System (MMLS): Valuing the significance of Cognitive Task Analysis technique and user interface design

This paper presents a development of e-Learning System and significant contributions of task analysis and user interface design elements for the deployment of a novel Multimedia Learning System (MMLS). An overview of MMLS starting from the content development flow to the implementation stage is discussed in details. This project is currently being deployed at the Multimedia University (MMU) Malaysia. Adobe Dreamweaver and Adobe Flash were used by the teaching staff to develop the interactive learning environment within the two campuses in MMU. Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) is introduced as a means of capturing the psychological complexity of tasks that involved significant cognitive activities such as planning, diagnosis and decision-making during the human-system interaction design process. Human Factors approach (i.e. effectiveness and efficiency) and Design approach (i.e. affect and hedonistic qualities of products) are also identified as factors contributing to the development of MMLS. This paper concludes that MMLS is able to increase efficiency, and empowers a geographically and temporally dispersed group of educators, administrators, and students to participate in a dynamic learning organization. Hence, looking at these two contributing factors, MMU is also gearing towards a more dynamic educational environment by offering the MMLS as a feasible alternative learning system in both campuses.