Effects of Lectures with PowerPoint or Prezi Presentations on Cognitive Load, Recall, and Conceptual Learning

The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the effects of two types of presentations as
created by PowerPoint or Prezi, which are used during lectures at the higher education level, on the
students' cognitive load, the level of recall of the learning and conceptual learning. Presentations
prepared by PowerPoint have linear slides with a limited canvas, while Prezi allows for non-linear,
multiple paths and unlimited canvas design. This study is of a quasi-experimental design. The
participants were 50 university students enrolled in a Computer Programming program at a
vocational school. Data were collected using the Cognitive Load Scale, achievement tests and
concept maps. According to the results, students lectured by presentations created by Prezi had
more conceptual learning and less cognitive load whilst teaching computer network systems’
content. Recall the level of learning was measured by an achievement test which did not significantly
differ across the groups. Prezi may be a better alternative for more conceptual learning and to reduce
the cognitive load.