Optimizing the cognitive load in eLearning

Tips to help you avoid cognitive overload when learning

Imagine you are taking an online course to learn how to use a new piece of software. On the very first page of the course you find yourself confronted with overwhelming amount of text, peppered with technical terms and complicated diagrams. You feel overwhelmed and lose the motivation to continue within minutes. Sound familiar?

This scenario is a classic example of high cognitive load. Cognitive load is an important factor in training in particular, as it determines whether learners absorb and process information effectively or give up prematurely.

However, eLearning authors have an element of control here and can optimize the cognitive load of their course participants. By paying attention to the cognitive demands of their learning content, they can significantly improve the learning experience and, of course, maximize learning outcomes.

In this article, you’ll find out exactly what cognitive load is, how it can be broken down into three different types, and how you can minimize your learners’ cognitive load through the design of your online courses. Equipped with practical tips and illustrative examples, you’ll be able to structure your courses in a clear, understandable, and motivating way.

What exactly is this ‘cognitive load’?

Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort required to process, understand, and retain information. It relates to the strain on the working memory caused by the simultaneous processing of multiple information sources and tasks. This concept plays a central role in the design of eLearning courses, as overloading the cognitive system can lead to ineffective learning and poorer learning outcomes.

To better understand the cognitive load, let’s contrast it with the more familiar mental load. While cognitive load specifically describes cognitive capacity and the associated mental effort, mental load encompasses the entire spectrum of mental demands, including emotional and organizational ones.

‘Load’ refers to the normal stress our brain experiences when processing information and learning new concepts. This load can be divided into different categories, which we will look at in more detail in a moment. Overload occurs when the amount of information and the demands on cognitive processing exceed the brain’s capacities. This leads to a state of overwhelm that prevents effective learning and can significantly impair learner motivation.

Cognitive load

This term refers to the amount of mental effort required to complete a particular task or to process information.It relates to the capacity of the learner’s working memory and how much of it is used.

Mental load

This refers to all the mental demands placed on a person, whether through work, everyday tasks, or other obligations. It includes not only the cognitive demands, but also emotional and organizational ones.

Cognitive overload

Cognitive overload occurs when the amount of information that needs to be processed exceeds the capacity of the working memory. This leads to overwhelm and prevents effective learning. Examples of things that can lead to cognitive overload include overly complex online courses, crowded slides, and introducing too many new concepts at once.

Mental overload

Mental overload refers to an all-encompassing overwhelm caused by the sheer volume of mental demands. It can be caused by too many simultaneous tasks, emotional strain, or organizational stress. Mental overload often leads to burnout and a general inability to manage tasks effectively.

Types of cognitive load

To effectively manage cognitive load in eLearning courses, you first have to know and understand the three different types of cognitive load. We differentiate between

intrinsic load,
extraneous load, and
germane load.

Each of these types affects learners in different ways and requires specific strategies to optimize it.

Intrinsic cognitive load

Understanding the content

Intrinsic load refers to the difficulty of the learning material itself. This will depend on the complexity and volume of information that learners need to understand and process. A key factor here is element interactivity, i.e. the number and complexity of the links between the individual elements of the learning material.

Here’s an example:
Imagine you’re learning the multiplication tables. For many, this is relatively simple because there are only a few rules and numbers, and they are directly linked. However, when you learn integral calculus, things become much more complex because many new concepts and techniques have to be linked together. The difference in difficulty between these two topics is an example of different intrinsic loads, and different levels of element interactivity.

Influencing factors

The intrinsic load is influenced by several factors that determine the inherent difficulty of the learning material. Here are some important influencing factors.

Element interactivity

Complexity of relationships: The more links there are between learning material elements that need to be understood at the same time, the higher the element interactivity and therefore the intrinsic load.

Learners’ prior knowledge

Familiarity with the topic: Learners with a higher level of prior knowledge can process more complex information more easily, which reduces the intrinsic load for them.
Learning curves: Beginners often have a higher intrinsic load because they have to learn basic concepts and new terminology first.

Type of learning material

Abstract vs. concrete concepts: Abstract concepts are often more difficult to understand and require more cognitive effort than concrete, illustrative examples.
Information structure: Well-structured and logically organized information is easier to process and reduces the intrinsic load on the learner.

Ways to optimize the cognitive load

You can adapt how your eLearning content is structured and presented to optimize the intrinsic load. Here are some practical strategies you can try.

Divide content into small units

Present complex topics in small, digestible chunks. Instead of explaining everything at once, break the information down into logical steps (step-by-step instructions)
Divide the course into modules or chapters, each covering a specific aspect of the topic. This makes it easier for learners to understand and process the information.

Take existing knowledge into account

Offer different entry points based on the learners’ existing knowledge. Beginners can start with basic information, while advanced users can move straight on to more complex topics.
Use short tests at the beginning of the course to determine your learners’ prior knowledge and guide them to the appropriate content.

Use specific examples and analogies

Use practical examples to make abstract concepts easier to understand. When learners see how a concept is applied in the real world, they find it easier to understand.
Compare new information to known concepts to facilitate understanding. For example, you could compare the functioning of a computer with that of the human brain.

Integrate interactive elements

Incorporate regular exercises and quizzes to check learners’ understanding and give them the opportunity to apply what they have learned.
Encourage learners to ask questions and share their thoughts in discussion forums. This fosters both a deeper understanding and the exchange of knowledge.

Extraneous cognitive load

Complexity

Extraneous load refers to the cognitive load caused by the way in which information is presented. This type of load is often unnecessary and can be minimized through careful design and presentation of the learning content.

Influencing factors

Learning material design

Crowded slides: Too much information on one slide can overwhelm learners. Use clear and concise slides with minimal text and supporting graphics.
Complex graphics: Avoid overly complicated graphics that confuse learners more than they help them. Use simple, easy-to-understand visualizations.

Presentation style

Inconsistent formatting: Different fonts, colors, and layouts can be distracting. Maintain consistent formatting to ensure the information is presented clearly and coherently.
Irrelevant information: Information that is not directly related to the learning objectives should be avoided as it diverts the learner’s attention.

Technical aspects

Poor navigation: Complicated, illogical navigation can frustrate learners. Make sure the user interface is intuitive and easy to use.
Loading times and technical problems: Long loading times and technical problems can impair learners’ concentration. Optimize the technical aspects of your course to ensure things run smoothly.

Pedagogical methods

Unclear learning objectives: If the learning objectives are not clearly defined, this can lead to confusion. Ensure that learning objectives are clearly explained at the beginning of each module.
Lack of structure: A poorly structured course can overwhelm learners. Structure the course coherently and logically to provide learners with a clear route to the end.

Ways to optimize the cognitive load

Excessive extraneous cognitive load can significantly impair learning effectiveness, as it places an unnecessary burden on learners’ cognitive resources. To avoid this, it is important to design the learning content and its presentation to be clear, concise, and easy to understand. Here are some proven strategies to reduce extraneous cognitive load and optimize the learning experience.

Clear structure and navigation

Use clearly labeled and simple menus and a logical page structure to make navigation easier.
Integrate a progress indicator so learners know where they are in the course and how much they still have left to do.

Visual clarity

Incorporate plenty of white space to visually separate text and images and improve readability.
Ensure there is good contrast between the text and background to increase readability.

Avoid redundancy

Make sure that all content presented is directly linked to the learning objectives—avoid superfluous bumph.
Avoid explaining the same information several times in different ways, unless it serves to deepen the learners’ understanding.

Incorporate multimedia content

Use short, concise videos that get to the point and convey the most important information.
Use explanatory graphics that visualize complex content in a simple way.

Germane cognitive load

Processing, understanding, integrating

The germane cognitive load refers to the cognitive effort required to process and understand learning content and integrate it into existing knowledge. Unlike intrinsic load (which is caused by the difficulty of the learning material itself) and extraneous load (which is caused by unnecessary complexity in its presentation), germane cognitive load is desirable because it promotes deep understanding and long-term retention of information.

Influencing factors

Germane cognitive load is influenced by various factors that impact the depth and quality of the learning processes.

Learning strategies

Active learning: Methods that encourage active engagement, such as problem-solving tasks and project-based learning, increase the germane load.
Self-reflection: Techniques that encourage learners to reflect on their own learning promote the integration of their new-found knowledge into their real-world tasks.

Learning material design

Coherence: Clearly structured and logically organized learning materials facilitate better understanding and processing.
Relevance: Content that is directly aligned with the learning objectives increases learners’ willingness to engage with the material on a deeper level.

Support systems

Feedback: Regular and constructive feedback helps learners verify and improve their understanding.
Tutorials and resources: Additional explanations and aids can support and deepen the learning process.

Ways to optimize the cognitive load

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively foster germane cognitive load in your eLearning courses, helping learners achieve a deeper understanding and better retain and apply their new knowledge. And there you have it! A more sustainable and successful learning experience.

Promote active learning

Incorporate interactive tasks such as simulations, role-play, and problem-solving activities that encourage learners to apply what they have learned.
Inspire learners to participate in discussion forums where they can share their thoughts and ideas, and reflect on the content they have covered.

Structuring and relevance

Define clear and precise learning objectives for each module so that learners know what to focus on.
Structure the course with logical modules that see each one gradually building on the knowledge acquired in the last.

Use of support systems

Give learners regular feedback on their progress and performance to help guide and improve their learning processes.
Provide additional resources such as explanatory videos, tutorials, and guides that learners can consult when needed.

Metacognitive strategies

Encourage learners to keep learning diaries in which they document and reflect on their progress and challenges.
Incorporate self-assessment exercises that enable learners to critique their own understanding and progress.

Sidebar: Brain in balance

The perfect mix for your cognitive load

There’s plenty you can do yourself to ease your cognitive load! Our everyday lives—whether at work or at home—are full of information, decisions, and distractions. This can quickly lead to our brain becoming overwhelmed to the point that we can no longer think as efficiently and clearly. With a few simple strategies, you can balance your mental load and increase your cognitive performance. We may be eLearning experts rather than life coaches, but we’ve come up with a few tips on how to maintain a healthy cognitive load in everyday life.

Structure your tasks and information clearly and concisely. Prioritize the most important jobs and break down complex projects into smaller, manageable steps. This will help you keep an overview and reduce your stress levels.
Regular breaks are crucial to give your brain time to recover. Take short breaks, get up, move around, or go out and get some fresh air. This not only invigorates the body, but also the mind, and helps you stay more focused.
Avoid multitasking and concentrate on one job at a time. Studies show that multitasking reduces efficiency and increases cognitive load. Turn off distractions such as notifications on your phone or computer and create a quiet working environment.
Use visual aids and techniques to process information better. Diagrams, mind maps, and checklists help you visualize complex issues and work in a structured way.
Make sure you get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet. Your brain needs sufficient rest and the right nutrients to function at its best. A short midday nap can work wonders, and regular, healthy meals keep your energy and concentration levels stable.
Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help clear the mind and reduce cognitive strain. Just a few minutes a day are enough to reduce stress and create mental clarity.
With these simple but effective strategies, you can optimize your cognitive load, keep your mind sharp, and increase your performance all at the same time. Whether at work or at home—keep your brain in balance and stay smart!

The bottom line.

Cognitive load is like a good cocktail: The right ingredients in the right quantities make all the difference. A little intrinsic load provides the necessary challenge, extraneous load should be kept in check (because nobody likes unnecessary stress), and a dash of germane load adds the maraschino cherry on top. So, mix your eLearning courses wisely, avoid the cognitive hangover, and your learners will thank you—cheers to more effective learning!