Performance Load

Week 11 – Learning Portfolio Item 1 – Q1

“Information in working memory lasts only around ten seconds” (What is cognitive load?) n.d) Cognitive load reduces the mental workload because performance decreases when the task is split between the textual and displayed information, which increases the cognitive load. (Johnson, A. Proctor, W. R. 2004. p. 252) Cognitive load has a direct effect on the amount of the information that is taken in because the working memory only holds a limited amount of information. Cognitive Load can be managed through general learning strategies. (Cognitive Load theory of Multimedia Learning (Sweller) n.d) said that Learner goals are important because they determine the cognitive pattern. The Learnability of a design should be easy enough to use immediately which reduces the mental ability to work out how a device functions. Too much information on the use of a device will directly affect the manner in which information is synthesized in working memory (Sweller, 2003).

Kinematic load is the degree of physical activity needed to complete a task.  Good design should be able to successfully reduce the amount of kinematic load on an individual.  The lack of kinematic load is also attractive, it can make a design more appealing and overall easier to use.

Reference List

What is Cognitive Load? (n.d). Retrieved from http://theelearningcoach.com/learning/what-is-cognitive-load/

Cognitive Load Theory of Multimedia Learning (Sweller). (n.d) Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/cognitive-load-theory-of-multimedia-learning-sweller.html

Johnson, A. Proctor, W. (2004). Attention: Theory and Practice. Michigan, United States: Sage Publications.

Paas, F. Renkl, A. Sweller, J. (2003) Cognitive Load Theory: A Special Issue of Educational Psychologist. New Jersey, United States: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates inc.