Distribution of Cognitive Load in Students
Description
The growing adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) in education raises challenges related to the cognitive load that students experience during learning. Inadequate management of this load can negatively affect the comprehension and retention of knowledge. hough previous studies have explored AR applications, most have focused on usability and learning outcomes, leaving aside the detailed analysis of Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), particularly its dimensions: intrinsic cognitive load (ICL), extraneous cognitive load (ECL) and germane cognitive load (GCL). To address this gap, this study evaluates the cognitive load using HistARium application, designed to support history learning with interactive experiences. A total of 60 students participated and completed a struc- 22 tured questionnaire to measure ICL, ECL and GCL after using the application. The results show a positive distribution: moderate intrinsic load, low extraneous load and high germane load. These findings indicate that the HistARium application balances content complexity, reduces unnecessary effort, and promotes meaningful learning. Furthermore, the results suggest that integrating CLT principles into AR applications improves cognitive efficiency and educational outcomes, while also opening new opportunities for the development of immersive and adaptive learning environments