ABSTRACT

370Cognitive load theory integrates the origins of human cognition in evolutionary theory with the structures and functions of human cognitive architecture to provide effective instructional design principles. Many of those principles are directly relevant to instructional technology. This chapter outlines the evolutionary bases for human cognitive architecture, examines those aspects of human cognition that are directly relevant to instruction, and discusses the various instructional principles generated by cognitive load theory with specific reference to their applicability to instructional technology.