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Neurodiversity and cognitive load in online learning: A focus group study
Anne-Laure Le Cunff1,2, Vincent Giampietro2, Eleanor Dommett1
1Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|April 16, 2024
Summary
Neurodivergent students face unique online learning challenges impacting cognitive load, including inaccurate transcripts and inaccessible content. Understanding these differences is key for inclusive digital education.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Educational technology
- Neurodiversity studies
Background:
- Cognitive load significantly influences online learning effectiveness.
- Neurodevelopmental conditions are prevalent in education, yet specific impacts on online learning cognitive load remain under-researched.
- The rise of online learning necessitates understanding diverse student needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors affecting cognitive load in online learning for neurodivergent students.
- To compare these factors with those experienced by neurotypical students.
- To identify unique barriers faced by neurodivergent learners in digital environments.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative comparative study design.
- Focus group discussions involving 26 university students (14 neurotypical, 12 neurodivergent).
- Examination of reported experiences of cognitive load in online learning settings.
Main Results:
- Both neurotypical and neurodivergent students reported similar cognitive load issues like navigation confusion and technical problems.
- Neurodivergent students experienced heightened difficulties with inaccurate transcripts and inaccessible content presentation.
- These specific issues created additional barriers for neurodivergent students' engagement with online educational materials.
Conclusions:
- While core challenges overlap, neurodivergent students face distinct, intensified barriers in online learning cognitive load.
- Inaccessible content and inaccurate resources disproportionately affect neurodivergent learners.
- Further research is crucial to understand the nuanced relationship between neurodiversity and cognitive load in online education.
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