Personalization Principle #1

What It Is

According to Clark and Mayer (2011), research supports Personalization Principle #1, or, the use of "conversational rather than formal style" (Clark & Mayer, 2011, p. 182) in the delivery of e-learning.  While use of a more formal style has some benefits, research suggests that conversational style can be more effective.  Voice quality and the use of polite speech can support the creation of a personalized style.

How the Example Shows (or Doesn't) It

The screenshot below shows an example from K. Huett's spring 2016 web design course where she uses 2nd person and 1st-person plural to create a personal note with students who are just starting out in web design.

Reference

Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2011). E-learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. San Francisco: Pfeiffer.