Reducing Cognitive Overload:

"Technology does not necessarily improve education. Take a simple innovation like the pencil: One can use it to write a superlative essay, to drum away the time, or to poke out someone's eye." (Veenema & Gardner, 1996)

 Reducing Cognitive Overload:

Effective Integration of Web 2.0 Technologies

Jennifer J. Little, MLS, Reference/Instruction Librarian, The College at Brockport, State University of New York, [email protected]

Anne M. Canale, MS CDIT, Independent Consultant, Instructional Design, Instructional Technology and E-learning, [email protected] Tech Day 2010, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY

March 25, 2010

Instructional professionals need to know if Web 2.0 technologies support or disrupt learning.

New technologies◦ which ones support learning? ◦ which ones trends-fads, the “bells & whistles”?

How do we create learning experiences that reduce CO, thus enhancing and improving learning?

Why do we care?

One’s cognitive capacity for learning is limited; often called information overload.

Often obvious:◦ Poorly designed◦ Disorganized◦ Irrelevant/redundant information◦ Aesthetically unappealing◦ Distracting; noisy; busy ◦ Poor use of font/color/style

What is Cognitive Overload?

Intrinsic - amount of cognitive processing required to comprehend the material

Germane (relevant)- learner engaged in making sense of the material using familiar/new schema.

Extraneous (irrelevant)-amount of cognitive capacity used for cognitive processing is not relevant to the goals of instruction; does not contribute to learning (Mayer, 2008)

Types of Cognitive Load

Learning principles - result in efficient instructional environments as a consequence of leveraging human cognitive learning processes.

Universal – all types of content, all delivery media, all learners.

Application-use fundamental tools of training (text, visuals, audio, technical content, soft skills); design; incorporate into all delivery platforms (print/online)

Cognitive Load Theory

Practical Applications

http://dpgraph.com

http://www.tltgroup.org/resources/blogs.htm

http://libguides.wvu.edu/content.php?pid=23575&sid=221937 

"Technology does not necessarily improve education. Take a simple innovation like the pencil: One can use it to write a superlative essay, to drum away the time, or to poke out someone's eye." (Veenema & Gardner, 1996)

http://cognitiveloadandweb20.pbworks.com/FrontPage

Resources