The influence of backchannel communication on cognitive load

Abstract

Synchronous online conferencing systems not only expand opportunities for real-time interaction but also foster parallel channels of communication. Visual and audio channels facilitate instructional presentation in the main channel of communication while text-chat features support participants' backchannel exchanges. Within the context of cognitive load theory and research, this chapter considers whether backchannel communication helps to manage intrinsic load and optimize germane load through improved facilitation of computer-mediated discourse or whether the backchannel poses a distraction that unnecessarily increases extraneous cognitive load.