Cognitive load management in mobile learning systems: principles and theories

Abstract

With the widespread adoption of mobile technologies, mobile-assisted learning is gaining lots of momentum. This new learning paradigm promotes education across different contexts, which is a key factor that contributes to enhancing learning irrespective of the conditions and location of the learner. Therefore, it creates an authentic learning setting whereby students can make meaningful connections to the real world while learning takes place. Previous research works in the field of mobile learning showed that improper design of learning elements is still present in mobile systems and consequently results in poor dynamic content adaptation. Some attempts to adapt learning contents with appropriate instructional design principles are conducted, but with moderate exploitation of smart technological assets in mobile learning systems and limited pedagogical reflections and cognitive factors. In this paper, a learning efficiency model chart is derived using important learning factors that can be considered to enhance mobile learning experiences. Some popular learning theories are analysed and compared with the proposed learning efficiency model chart. This investigation is considered to significantly reduce complexities that exist in mobile learning platforms and promote an enhanced mobile learning experience.

Relationship Between Academic Self-Efficacy and Cognitive Load for Students in Distance Learning

“…The cognitive load has been recognised as a significant factor that influences achievement results in the digital environment learning processes (Al- Hunaiyyan et al, 2017). This study's observed results could be attributed to the idea that educational programs in a remote learning environment are more effective if the cognitive load is optimal (Curum & Khedo, 2020). According to recent reports, inadequately designed educational content exceeding possible for perception elements can lead to overload and poor achievement results (Alyushin & Kolobashkina, 2019;Sweller et al, 2019).…”

“…Since the reported theory of the subjective cognitive load (Sweller, 1993(Sweller, , 1998, recent evidence suggests that academic selfefficacy and subjective cognitive load could exist a straight correlation within the academic environment (Vasile, Marhan, Singer, & Stoicescu, 2011;Huang & Mayer, 2019). Several researchers have recognized that cognitive loads are among the most influential factors with a critical role in distance learning outcomes (Curum, & Khedo, 2020;Stiller & Bachmaier, 2018). The Cognitive Load Theory states that instructional methods are essential to decrease extraneous cognitive load so that available cognitive resources can be entirely devoted to learning (De Jong, 2010;Chandler & Sweller, 1992;Sweller, 2005).…”

“…Cognitive overload is understood in terms of how information is processed during learning and relates to the amount of information that working memory can hold at one time. A review of performed studies on the relationship between self-efficacy and academic performance in online learning states the fact that there are extremely little published data about their influence on cognitive processes (Curum & Khedo, 2020;Yokoyama, 2019). Although studies demonstrate that cognitive overload lowers educational performance, few published studies have examined the consequences of cognitive overload in distance learning settings (Alyushin & Kolobashkina, 2019;Mierlo, Jarodzka, Kirschner, Kirschner, & Kirschner, 2014;Sweller, Van Merrienboer, & Paas, 2019).…”

Academic Performance and Cognitive Load in Mobile Learning

“…The use of digital technologies not only increases the number of opportunities, but limits them as well [4][5][6]. The cognitive load on students increases several times due to the constant flow of information present in the digital environment and thus relevant study and training are required.…”

“…Portable mobile devices are extremely important tools that ensure learning that combines authentic learning aspects with usage of digital environment. A mobile learning makes it possible to master knowledge based on one's life experience and provides one with digital support in the right place at the right time [4]. Mobile devices allow acquiring and sharing knowledge regardless of space or time [10].…”