Determining the effectiveness of technology supported guided materials based on cognitive load theory principles related to "solar system and beyond: Space Puzzle" unit

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of guide materials based on Cognitive Load Theory principles relate to "Solar System and Beyond: Space Puzzle" unit on 7th students' achievements, cognitive load and instructional efficiency. Semi-experimental researh design was used in this study. Main application is carried out with 67 grade 7 students and 1 science and technology teacher in Anafarta Elementary School in Ünye. Data are obtained with; .Achievement Test, Retention Tests, Cognitive Load Scales and Student Opinion Questionnaire. Achievement Test was used both as a pre test to determine the equivalency of the groups and post test after the application. Retention Tests and Cognitive Load Scales were implemented at each concept learning and sessions during the process. Besides, Student Opinion Questionnare was only used to elicit students' opinions in the experimental group regarding to both the animations and instructional design. The quantitative data analyzed with Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA and Kruskall-Wallis H. Bonferroni and Mann-Whitnet U tests were used to compare the differences of expert and novice students enrolled in the experimenatl and control groups. Student Opinion Questionnare related to animations and instructional design prepared according to Cognitive Load Theory principles was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. It is determined that guided materials based on Cognitive Load Theory principles made significant meaningful effect on studnets' achievement compared with current instruction program (t(65) = -4.688; p<0.05). It was found that; learning environment enriched with animations developed Cognitive Load Theory principles provide the learning environment by having fun, permanent and meaningful learning. Compared to students in the control group, students in the experimental group learned with guide materials based on Cognitive Load Theory principles have lower cognitive load and it was concluded that they provide more effective learning. The study completed with further implications and suggestions to researchers. Keywords: Solar System and Beyond: Space Puzzle, Cognitive Load Theory, Cognitive Load, Instructional Efficiency, Animation