Avoid splitting attention between multiple sources of information. Integrate text into relevant parts of a diagram rather than having them separate.
Alternative Methods to Overcome Split-Attention:
- Directing Attention Attention was directed appropriately by the learner clicking on the particular paragraph of text being studied that triggered the corresponding parts of the electrical circuit to change to a unique, identifiable colour, thus reducing the amount of visual search required
- The Pop-Up Alternative to Text Integration To avoid such over- crowding, they designed an alternative presentation format where the text was inserted into the diagram at the relevant position but hidden from sight unless activated by the learner by clicking on the mouse. It should also be pointed out that user-control adds a further dimension to the study.