When a person solves problems in a multimedia environment, information is received through auditory and visual sensory receptors. Poor designs in multimedia environments and print materials increase cognitive load for learners. The video below explains split attention effect:
Mayer and Moreno (2003) discuss the split attention effect and different ways to reduce cognitive load in their article, Nine Ways to Reduce Cognitive Load in Multimedia Learning. One scenario mentioned in the article describes a learning environment in which the student is asked to watch a simulation. Located beneath the simulation is the text supporting the activity. The learner is left with two areas of a screen to pay attention to, both of which are visual. A solution to reduce cognitive load is to offer the text in the form of narration. The simulation would still be received through the visual receptors, but the text as narration is received through audio.
As I read Mayer and Moreno's article, I considered how I structure web environments, PowerPoints and other instructional materials consisting of multimedia. Perhaps, I create unintended cognitive load through the design of these tools. Split attention effect is something classroom teachers should consider when creating paper materials for assessments, review or learning especially if the student is required to view a diagram, image or graph to answer a question.
Mayer, R. and Moreno, R. (2003). Nine ways to reduce cognitve load in multimedia learning. Educational Psychologist, 38(1), 43-52.
I haven't read that particular article, but have read Mayer's book, Multimedia Learning and found it very helpful (if not a bit redundant). This video does an excellent job of demonstrating some techniques that can help reduce a learner's cognitive load. The use of the text boxes really demonstrated Mayer's spatial contiguity principle; this principle seems very applicable when creating lessons, and as you mentioned even paper-based materials not only multimedia materials. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLeanna, Here is a neat link which describes how NOT to do a powerpoint presentation. Many of the reasons they describe go hand-in-hand with your comments. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpvgfmEU2Ck
ReplyDelete(It is pretty funny)