Question

Consider what you have learned about dual coding thus far, and then post a response to the following:

Have you ever experienced essential processing overload?

Share an example. This experience may have been enjoyable and stimulating, but do you feel you learned what you needed in the process?

How might the principle of dual coding have helped reduce this overload?

Answer 1

The concept of 'dual coding' was forwarded by Allan Paivio of the University of Western Ontario in 1971. Dual coding stands for the processing of information both visually and verbally, along distinct channels in the brain, which creates separate representations for the processed material in each channel. Both visual and verbal codes created by processing visual and verbal information can be used to recollect information, easily. Dual coding is one's ability to code material in two different ways, which heightens the chance of remembering that material, more than the material, which was only coded in one way.

'Essential processing overload' takes place when the amount of essential cognitive processing required to comprehend an instructional message goes beyond the learner's cognitive capacity. For example, the confusing presentation can result in an overload of information. When a succinctly narrated animation, with complex material, is presented at a fast rate, essential overloading takes place. It also takes place when an animation is presented in one part of the screen and the related text in another part. Consequently, a person has to shift focus from one part of the screen to another, and also identify, which parts are related to which. Some extraneous materials are enjoyable and stimulating, but they consume ones cognitive capacity. For example, it is difficult to avoid background music. In such a case, one has to decide whether the music deserves further attention or not. The more this happens, the less capacity remains for learning what was required. Thus, it can be said that due to overloading, it is difficult to learn what is important or essential in the process.

The principle of dual coding can help to reduce cognitive overload. Dual coding helps to strengthen the memory code of the material processed verbally as well as visually. So, one can use the technique of 'off-loading' during the overflow of essential information. 'Off-loading' means shifting some material from verbal to the visual channel for consolidation and dual representation or dual coding in the brain. This will strengthen the memory of essential information in the brain, without causing overload.