Name: Shawn Albert Shepard
Working Title: Cognitive Load Shedding and Balancing
Abstract: When input from the visual channel, or the auditory/verbal channel, or a combination of the two overloads Working Memory it becomes an obstacle to learning. In order to minimize the negative impact on learning, the Cognitive Load needs to be reduced in one or both channels, either by balancing the load between the channels, and/or by shedding some of the load from one or both channels. This article presents some ideas proposed by Richard E. Mayer and Roxana Moreno (2003) for reducing "Cognitive Load in multimedia learning."
Outline:
Introduction: Briefly explains Cognitive Load, intrinsic load, extraneous load, germane load, and schema.
Visual: Shows Working Memory and Long-Term Memory inside a person's head with Cognitive Load divided into intrinsic, extraneous, and germane loads, and showing schema.
Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning: Expands the Cognitive Load Theory to include the concepts of sensory memory, auditory/verbal and visual channels, essential processing, incidental processing, representational holding, and prior knowledge
Visual: Words and pictures move through the eyes and ears to Working Memory where they interact with prior knowledge, then into Long-Term Memory to build and organize schema.
The Nine Ways: Steps through Mayer's and Moreno's "Nine Ways to Reduce Cognitive Load in Multimedia Learning."
Visuals: The words-and-pictures load shedding and balancing is shown for each of the nine ways.