Learning Sciences / Concept
Cognitive load
Definition
The mental effort required to process information in working memory during a task.
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Explore related concepts, research, and semantic relationships in the full I2IDL Glossary of Digital Learning.
Open this concept in the glossary →Editorial explanation
Learning experiences can fail when unnecessary complexity consumes limited cognitive capacity that should be available for learning.
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Sources and evidence
- LeBOK — 3.1.2 Attention and Cognitive Load (direct)
- Modernizing Learning — Ch. 2-3, pp. 21, 50-52 (supporting)
- The Science of Remote Learning — How Do Learners Understand New Ideas · PDF p. 6 (supporting)