Li Yi-Hua
Graduate School of Curriculum and Instructional Communications Technology College of Education National Taipei University of Education
Yuan-Chen Liu, Ph. D.
Graduate School of Curriculum and Instructional Communications Technology College of Education National Taipei University of Education
Abstract
This study investigated germane cognitive load and extraneous cognitive load in a multimedia learning environment on capillary action of plants as a function of different combinations of media. Eighty-six fourth-grade students were assigned to the following three conditions: texts with time-lapse photography embedded in the mobile device (PT condition); laboratory activities that are outside and texts embedded in the mobile device of the mobile device (LT condition); and laboratory activities that are outside of the mobile device and texts with time-lapse photography embedded in the mobile device (PLT condition). Differences in performance on comprehension tests and learning efficiency were examined across conditions. Because of the effects of germane cognitive load, the PLT condition was expected to perform better than the LT condition. Because of the effects of engagement, the PLT conditions were expected to perform better than the LT condition. The implications of the results for research and design of multimedia learning environments are discussed.
Keywords :Germane cognitive load, time-lapse photography, engagement, laboratory activities