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Beyond Interface Design: Considering Learner Cognition When Designing E-Learning Systems

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Building Sustainable Information Systems

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Abstract

By developing e-learning systems with an understanding of users’ cognitive load, rather than just focusing on traditional usability constructs, it is envisaged that better learning outcomes will occur. This conceptual paper presents a review of how an understanding of cognitive load can assist with the processes of developing e-learning systems that allow for increased learning outcomes. Through a comparative analysis of human–computer interaction (HCI) methods and cognitive load theory (CLT), a greater understanding of design principles can be gained. The paper focuses on the three main effects discussed in CLT literature—split-attention, redundancy, and element interactivity—and how a developer could use these methods to reduce cognitive load and improve learning outcomes.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Information Systems and Technology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia

    Mark Freeman & Abdallah Alasraj

  2. Faculty of Education, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia

    Paul Chandler

Authors
  1. Mark Freeman
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  2. Abdallah Alasraj
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  3. Paul Chandler
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mark Freeman .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Monash University, Caaulfield East, Victoria, Australia

    Henry Linger

  2. Monash University, Caulfield East, Victoria, Australia

    Julie Fisher

  3. Box Hill Institute, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia

    Andrew Barnden

  4. National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

    Chris Barry

  5. National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

    Michael Lang

  6. City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR

    Christoph Schneider

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Freeman, M., Alasraj, A., Chandler, P. (2013). Beyond Interface Design: Considering Learner Cognition When Designing E-Learning Systems. In: Linger, H., Fisher, J., Barnden, A., Barry, C., Lang, M., Schneider, C. (eds) Building Sustainable Information Systems. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7540-8_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7540-8_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-7539-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-7540-8

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

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