What Happens in the Brain When We Learn Something New?

Heavy cognitive load, a slowdown in brain processing speed due to excessive use, happens when we learn new things or try to multitask. Janet Zadina, a neuroscientist at Tulane University, illustrated this effect during a workshop titled The Truth Behind “Brain-Based” Learning. Watch the video about cognitive load and then experience the effects of attempting to multitask firsthand in this Roundup.

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About the Author

Alissa Ortman

Alissa is the former outreach and BrainFacts.org manager. While earning her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Smith College, she researched glial development in the central nervous system and its relationship to cancer.