Chapter 2: Cognitive Load Theory and Instructional Message Design

Although theoretical in basis, Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) is pragmatic in nature. Its goal, as it relates to instructional message design, is to present information in a way that enables the learner to process it as efficiently as possible and add it to their brain as learned information. This process relies on the brain for memory, which is separated into two component parts – working memory and long-term memory. Both of these forms of memory are required to connect new information to information that is known – which are essential elements in the learning process. To do this, information that detracts from processing is discouraged, information that assists in processing is encouraged, and any complexity inherent to the learning is presented at a level that is appropriate (Chandler & Sweller, 1991; Sweller, 2008; Sweller, van Merrienboer, & Paas, 1998)

Metacognitive Supports in Online Community College Learners

Community colleges provide educational, social and professional lifelines for students. Community college students are often characterized by their need to balance school amidst conflicting life needs, such as employment and family. As a result, many community college students struggle to find time to commit to on campus classes. Asynchronous online courses offer these students flexibility. Without the ability to self-regulate their learning, this mode of learning has been shown to be more challenging, resulting in students who succeed and persist in coursework less consistently. This quantitative, quasi experimental study involving 92 asynchronous online community college participants from the southeast, explores support structures designed to assist learners in developing effective self-regulation practice. The research combines a two-factor quasi experimental design comparing the use of training that incorporates cognitive modeling, self-reflective prompts and the combination of these elements to evaluate their effect on calibration ability and academic performance. Metacognitive awareness is used as a covariate. Results of this study showed no significant difference between treatment groups in regard to either calibration ability or academic performance based on the elements of the training intervention. Descriptive statistics combine with these results to both support and challenge existing research, and continued research and updates to heuristic practice are suggested

Instructional Message Design: Theory, Research, and Practice

Message design is all around us, from the presentations we see in meetings and classes, to the instructions that come with our latest tech gadgets, to multi-million-dollar training simulations. In short, instructional message design is the real-world application of instructional and learning theories to design the tools and technologies used to communicate and effectively convey information. This field of study pulls from many applied sciences including cognitive psychology, industrial design, graphic design, instructional design, and human performance technology to name just a few. In this book we visit several foundational theories that guide our research, look at different real-world applications, and begin to discuss directions for future best practice. For instance, cognitive load and multimedia learning theories provide best practice, PowerPoint and simulations are only a few of the multitude of applications, and special needs learners and designing for cultural inclusiveness are only two of many areas where effective messages design can improve outcomes. Studying effective instructional message design tools and techniques has and will continue to be a critical aspect of the overall instructional design process. Hopefully, this book will serve as an introduction to these topics and inspire your curiosity to explore further