Learning from Soccer Animations

How instructional animations should be designed in order to enhance learning? What factors need to be taken into account in the design of animations? Recent advances in computer-based instruction have made it possible to produce dynamic visualizations such as animations to depict dynamic information that change over time and space. However, there has been increasing evidence accumulated that animations often impose significant working memory demands resulting in decreased learning outcomes. Based on a cognitive load framework, this dissertation tried to effectively manage cognitive load imposed by soccer animations through the use of different forms of instructional designs. The results indicated significant interactions between these instructional designs and levels of player expertise, leading to the phenomenon known as the expertise reversal effect. According to this effect, the instructional designs that are effective for novice players may become ineffective or even detrimental for expert players. The findings argue for the importance of tailoring instructional designs to changing levels of player expertise.