Cognitive load management in mobile learning systems: principles and theories

With the widespread adoption of mobile technologies, mobile-assisted learning is gaining lots of momentum. This new learning paradigm promotes education across different contexts, which is a key factor that contributes to enhancing learning irrespective of the conditions and location of the learner. Therefore, it creates an authentic learning setting whereby students can make meaningful connections to the real world while learning takes place. Previous research works in the field of mobile learning showed that improper design of learning elements is still present in mobile systems and consequently results in poor dynamic content adaptation. Some attempts to adapt learning contents with appropriate instructional design principles are conducted, but with moderate exploitation of smart technological assets in mobile learning systems and limited pedagogical reflections and cognitive factors. In this paper, a learning efficiency model chart is derived using important learning factors that can be considered to enhance mobile learning experiences. Some popular learning theories are analysed and compared with the proposed learning efficiency model chart. This investigation is considered to significantly reduce complexities that exist in mobile learning platforms and promote an enhanced mobile learning experience.