e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning

15.9. Manage Complexity

Throughout this book we have described multimedia design principles designed to avoid mental overload. For example, in Chapter 9 we reviewed evidence showing that segmenting and sequencing instructional content can reduce cognitive load and improve learning. Like-wise, there are a number of ways to help learners manage mental load in games. These include managing the complexity of the simulation or game goal, optimizing the complexity of the interface, as well as providing instructional support in the form of memory aids or activity guidance. In this section, we summarize the following approaches to complexity management in simulations and games: (1) goal progression, (2) interface design, (3) training wheels, (4) faded ...