| Sumario: | Measuring cognitive load is important in virtual learning environments (VLE). Thus, valid and reliable measures of cognitive load are important to support instructional design in VLE. Through three studies, we investigated the validity and reliability of Leppink's Cognitive Load Scale (CLS) and developed the extraneous cognitive load (EL) dimension into three sub‐scales relevant for VLE: EL instructions, EL interaction, and EL environment. We investigated the validity of the measures using the Partial Credit Model (PCM), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and correlations with retention tests. Study 1 (n = 73) investigated the adapted version of the CLS. Study 2 describes the development and validation of the Multidimensional Cognitive Load Scale for Virtual Environments (MCLSVE), with 140 students in higher education. Study 3 tested the generalizability of the results with 121 higher education students in a more complicated VLE. The results provide initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the MCLSVE. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Cognitive load theory is broadly applied in different fields of education.Leppink's Cognitive Load Scale (CLS) is widely used in traditional learning situation.Measuring cognitive load is important in virtual learning environments (VLE).Valid and reliable measures of cognitive load are important to support instructional design in VLE. What this paper adds: Through three studies, we investigated the validity and reliability of the CLS and developed the extraneous cognitive load (EL) dimension into three sub‐scales relevant for VLE: EL instructions, EL interaction and EL environment.We named the he new measure the Multidimensional Cognitive Load Scale for Virtual Environments (MCLSVE).We investigated the validity of the CLS (Study 1) and the MCLSVE (Study 2 and 3) using the Partial Credit Model (PCM), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and correlations with retention tests.The studies provide initial evidence for the validity and reliability of the MCLSVE. Implications for practice and/or policy: Researchers using virtual reality can apply the MCLSVE to obtain a multidimensional measure of extraneous cognitive load.The adapted version of the Cognitive Load Scale can differentiate meaningfully between easy and difficulty learning situations and can thus be used to examine the difficulty in learning situation using virtual reality.The study provides a framework for developing multidimensional conceptualizations of EL for other settings where instructions and explanations are not the only source of EL.
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