Clark & Meyer (2011) How do people learn from e-courses?

E-learning can ‘create experiences that will foster desired change in learner’s behaviors consistent with the goals of the’ objective; these changes can occur in what the learner already knows, through scaffolding of information, for example ‘facts, concepts, procedures, strategies, and beliefs’ (Clark & Meyer, 2011:33).

‘Effective instruction is not only to present information but also to encourage the learner to engage in appropriate cognitive processing during learning; knowledge construction is based on three principles, Dual channels – Separate channel for processing visual and auditory’ information, Limited capacity – ability to ‘actively process only a few pieces of information in each channel at one time,’ Active processing – occurs ‘ during engagement of appropriate cognitive processing during learning’ (Clark & Meyer, 2011:35).

Instructions are at it’s most effective, when the three knowledge construction principles are taken into account; the dual channels, limited capacity and active processing, influence individuals Cognitive Load Theory.  As the working memory can only process 2 or 3 things at once, for information to progress into the long term memory and knowledge to develop into a deeper understanding, it is vital for instructions to be balanced and sometimes simplified to become clearer.  Once information is able to progress into deeper understanding, the working memory deepens prior knowledge, which in turn can influence the information that is currently in the working memory.

‘Cognitive Learning Theory explains how mental processes transform information received by the eyes and ears into knowledge and skills in human memory’ (Clark & Meyer, 2011:39).

The instructions in my e-resource will have considered the cognitive Load Theory process and the 4 session activities will provide clear, simplistic and engaging instructions and objective.

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Clark, R.C., Mayer, R.E. (2011) E-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning. (3rd ed.) San Francisco, Calif: Pfeiffer.