The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational psychology, cognitive load theory suggests that learning is most effective when instructional materials are designed to minimize extraneous cognitive load, thereby freeing resources for the intrinsic load necessary to understand complex material. However, recent research has challenged the universality of this theory, arguing that optimal load levels may vary depending on learner expertise. For novices, high element interactivity can overwhelm working memory, whereas experts, who possess well-organized schemas, may benefit from more challenging tasks that promote deeper processing. This nuanced view implies that instructional design should adapt to individual differences rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.