Tangible Objects: The Missing Attribute in Multimedia Learning Systems for Preschoolers

Based on the idea of constructivism, cognitivism, Atkinson & Shiffrin and Kieras & Meyer’s EPIC human memory theories, tangible objects are considered the missing attribute in digital multimedia learning systems for preschoolers. Because of negligence to this attribute, a learning gap emerges between preschoolers and multimedia system. The gap is reflected in the cognitive capability of a preschooler whose cognition is still in a state of preoperational level and the condition of multimedia which only delivers information in digital visual-auditory format. In light of the four compelling theories, a multimedia prototype augmented with the use of tangible objects named “TangiLearn” has been designed. In this paper, we begin our discussion by visiting the idea of tangibility brought forward by the theories, followed by a relevant pilot study to illustrate a successful innovation in closing the learning gap.