Use captioning to provide adaptable mobile messages across contexts, with font and placement guidelines¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The article recommends captions as one of the most versatile mechanisms available to the mobile message designer, rendering audio in a format "suitable for almost all users at any time or place". It adapts the Captioned Media Program guidelines (synchronized, equivalent, accessible captions) and broadcast television font and placement standards (Helvetica-like sans serif font, 32-character line, bottom two lines, translucent box) as a starting point for mLearning captioning standards.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Captions should be synchronized with audio, equivalent in content including speaker identification and sound effects, and accessible to those who need or want them

Constraints¶

• Placement must not interfere with existing images such as maps, illustrations, or speakers' faces; if bottom placement interferes, captions move to the top or elsewhere

Target Learners¶

• mobile learners in noisy environments, deaf learners, and learners using audio-unavailable contexts

Target Learning Goals¶

• reading comprehension, listening comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, word recognition, decoding skills and motivation to learn

Related Strategies¶

• Customizable Display of Information

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Wang, M. & Shen, R. (2012). Message design for mobile learning: Learning theories, human cognition and design principles. British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(4), 561-575. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2011.01214.x