Thank you for this valuable article. There are some really great ideas here. I noticed that in your post you did not mention a favorite of mine, which is a very important strategy to use in reducing cognitive load. It is promoting dual channel processing. In an article they wrote about cognitive load in 2013, Greer, Crutchfield, & Woods indicate that it is helpful to consider the modality effect. “The modality effect refers to the positive impact of mixed presentation of information in visual and auditory modes, which reduces the cognitive load…” (Greer et. al., 2013, p.44).

When we give learners information with only audio or only a visual, they are only using one of the two main channels they use to receive input. This results in increased cognitive load in one channel, while the other channel remains unused. By incorporating both audio and visuals into the content, the load of both inputs are more balanced, and both inputs are leveraged. This can be very helpful in reducing cognitive load. Do you have any preferred strategies on how to apply the modality principle effectively in e-learning?

Reference:
Greer, D., Crutchfield, S., & Woods, K., (2013). Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, Instructional Design Principles, and Students with Learning Disabilities in Computer-based and Online Learning Environments. Journal of Education, 193(2)