Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ Learning Science: The Coherence Principle Decoded

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

So here's a question for Mike Taylor: do we need cognitive load theory in order to present the coherence principle? The coherence principle asserts, in essence, that learning materials should be focused. "If it's flooded with irrelevant content—be it text or visuals—it's doing more harm than good." Designers in every discipline are well aware of the value of focus. But they don't need to believe - or even think about - cognitive load theory. That's a good thing, because people don't actually process information like a computer. Mentioning cognitive load theory here (or anywhere) just muddies the water with psychobabble.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
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Last Updated: Dec 11, 2024 10:55 p.m.

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