Cognitive Load and PowerPoint

A couple of articles that have really got me thinking about cognitive load theory and how it relates to using PowerPoint as a teaching tool.

The first article "Cognitive Load Theory" by David Lewis, provides an overview of cognitive load theory, of which he writes:

"[C]ognitive load theory proposes that since working memory is limited, learners may be bombarded by information and, if the complexity of their instructional materials is not properly managed, this will result in cognitive overload...later resulting in lower performance."

The second is an interview with educational psychology guru Richard E. Mayer titled: "The Cognitive Load of PowerPoint: Q&A with Richard E. Mayer". This is the best article on the use of PowerPoint in a training context that I've encountered.