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Instructional Material Discussion

Overview: 

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In this HGTV DIY article, the author wants to teach how to make five different models of paper airplanes. The author is only using pictures and written directions.  

Cognitivism Principles  

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  • ​Learning must be self-directed. 

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  • Use of schemas to help build a conceptual model. 

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Cognitive Load

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Does this article address the principles of cognitive load? 

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     -In a way, this HGTV article does address some principles of cognitive load by using pictures and a number list with written directions to follow step by step to match the shown pictures. To ensure that he was addressing a larger population of readers with different levels of ability, experience, and knowledge, he states that all five models go from beginner to intermediate level. 

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If not, How would I fix it? 

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      -There are no additional multimedia elements like videos, animation, or audio inputs in the article. To fix this problem, I would add at least one animation or 30-second video with audio showing how to make each airplane model. I would also add each step under each picture so readers don't have to go back and forth between the pictures and directions. This way, the reader does not need to split their attention between the picture and each sentence. 

Sources and Citations 

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​Henderson, Sam. “How to Make Paper Airplanes.” HGTV, â€‹ https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/how-to-make-a-paper-airplane

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