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Some Conditions under Which Integrated Computer-Based Training Software Can Facilitate Learning

When students are required to learn a new computer application program, frequently they need to split their attention between material in a manual and material on the screen because neither is self-contained. Previous work has indicated that split-attention can interfere with learning because the need to mentally integrate material imposes an extraneous cognitive load. Alternatively, even if the screen-based material is self-contained, the material of a redundant manual, if processed by learners, can also impose an extraneous cognitive load. Under these circumstances, learning may be facilitated by the use of self-contained, screen-based material alone. In Experiment 1, the first author developed a windows spreadsheet, computer-based training package with an integrated format, to test these hypotheses. The split-attention effect was investigated by comparing the performance of a group of students using the integrated computer-based training software with that of a group using a conventional manual plus the computer software to be learned. The redundancy effect was investigated by comparing a group using the computer-based training software with a group using the same computer-based training software plus a hard-copy of this training software. Results from Experiment 1 supported the above cognitive load hypotheses. Specifically, in areas of high information complexity, the integrated computer-based training software group clearly outperformed both the conventional manual plus computer software group, and the computer-based training software plus hard-copy group, thus demonstrating both split-attention and redundancy effects. Experiment 2 partially replicated this result, as well as providing support for a cognitive load explanation of results by measuring mental load. In the light of these findings and previous research, it is suggested that cognitive load is a major factor in all aspects of instructional design. Computer training software that reduces extraneous cognitive load by adopting integrated computer-based training formats can considerably facilitate learning.