Discussion
Flashy is undefined and open to interpretation. Depending on exposure, age, level of comfort with technology and other demographic factors, powerpoint with sound may be considered flashy.
For the purpose of this post, flashy will defined as multimedia cues embedded in instruction materials. Multimedia cues may be as simple as a color coding system or as complex as an online quiz with voice recognition software to reduce typing.
Mutlimedia cues have been found to reduce cognitive load or information overload (Roberts, 2017).
For learners with disabilities or learning difficulties, mutlimedia cues provide learners with an opportunity to assimilate information using cognitive cues beyond text and number recognition.
Learning can be more effective when multiple cognitive inputs are used.
References
Roberts, W. (2017). The Use of Cues in Multimedia Instructions in Technology as a way to Reduce Cognitive Load. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia. 26 (4), pp. 373-412. Waynesville, NC USA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education