imd information processing

Information processing

“...Three cognitive characteristics of how people learn, which lead to three questions for the design of effective PowerPoint presentations [are]:

“First, does the presentation take advantage of the dual-channel structure of the human information processing system, by presenting complementary material in words and pictures? In presenting a graph, for example, it is useful to have labels on the slide pointing out the main points.

“Second, does the presentation take into consideration the limited capacity of the information processing channels, by minimizing the chances of overloading the cognitive system? In a recent paper, "Nine Ways to Reduce Cognitive Load in Multimedia Learning" (published in the Educational Psychologist), I suggest techniques such as eliminating extraneous material. Thus, a bar graph should not be presented with three-dimensional bars and lots of cute, but irrelevant, clip art.

“Third, does the presentation promote active cognitive processing by guiding the processes of selecting, organizing, and integrating information? For example, arrows can help highlight the main things that the audience should attend to, an outline can help people organize the material, and concrete examples — perhaps as video clips — can help people relate abstract concepts to their concrete experience.”