This study was conducted to optimize the designs of learning guides embedded in a computer-based simulation environment. The research was based on the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning and Cognitive Load Theory. We investigated computer simulations under four conditions that combined representation and imagination learning strategies. This…

Background: Digital game-based learning (DGBL) has shown promise in enhancing learning and motivation, with appropriate scaffolding playing a crucial role in facilitating student inquiries and knowledge acquisition through science games. While scaffolding is generally effective in promoting learning in DGBL, there is variability among different…

Augmented Reality (AR) has become an emerging educational technology in classroom practice and science education. While most research and contemporary meta-analyses reveal benefits with regard to knowledge acquisition and motivation of Augmented Reality-based learning environments, most of the studies lack a clear and fair control condition. In…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the proposed mobile self-regulated learning approach in higher education settings. A mobile self-regulated learning system was developed to improve students' learning achievements and self-regulated learning skills. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the…

Purpose: The paper aims to examine the effect of levels of self-regulated effort (SRE) and levels of cognitive load on the watching and completing of video lectures used as the main source of instruction in online learning environments. Design/methodology/approach: A survey provided data on the students' engagement with video lectures, their level…

Online instructors need to avoid unclear and confusing explanations of content, which can reduce the quality of learning. Extraneous load is reflective of poor instruction, in that it directs student effort towards processing information that does not contribute to learning. However, students may be able to manage poor instruction through effort…

Semi-formal learning is used to describe learning that is directed towards the goals of a formal learning institution but outside of the learning structure of a specific class. Students studying online may form semi-formal groups to increase their knowledge of the content by interacting with other learners taking the same class. This study of…

Distinct theoretical perspectives, Cognitive Load Theory and Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) theory, have been used to examine individual differences the challenges faced with hypermedia learning. However, research has tended to use these theories independently, resulting in less robust explanations of hypermedia learning. This study examined the…

Based on cognitive load theory, it is well known that when studying a diagram that includes explanatory text, optimal learning occurs when the text is physically positioned close to the diagram as it eliminates the need for learners to split their attention between the two sources of information. What is not known is the effect on learning when…

Web-based self-learning (WBSL) has received a lot of attention in recent years due to the vast amount of varied materials available in the Web 2.0 environment. However, this large amount of material also has resulted in a serious problem of cognitive overload that degrades the efficacy of learning. In this study, an information graphics method is…

Learning with instructional animations may overstretch limited working memory resources due to intense processing demands associated with transient information. The authors investigated whether explicit instructional advice coupled with a task-specific learner control mechanism (such as a timeline scrollbar) could facilitate the successful…

A WebQuest is an inquiry-based online learning technique. This technique has been widely adopted in K-16 education. Therefore, it is important that conditions of effective WebQuest design are defined. Through this article the author presents techniques for improving WebQuest design based on current research. More specifically, the author analyzes…

Think-aloud and self-report data from 99 undergraduates were used to consider whether extensive use of self-regulated learning (SRL) with hypermedia results in diminishing benefits. Participants individually used a commercially-based hypermedia environment for 30 minutes to learn about a challenging science-related topic. Think-aloud data were…

Self-regulated learners are expected to plan their own learning. Because planning is a complex task, it is not self-evident that all learners can perform this task successfully. In this study, we examined the effects of two planning support tools on the quality of created plans, planning behavior, task load, and acquired knowledge. Sixty-five…

Assigning difficulty level indicators to the knowledge units helps the learners plan their learning activities more efficiently. This paper focuses on how to use the topology of a knowledge map to compute and rank the difficulty levels of knowledge units. Firstly, the authors present the hierarchical structure and properties of the knowledge map.…