The document discusses cognitive load theory and cognitive flexibility theory as they relate to e-learning. It explains that cognitive load theory is concerned with the relationship between the difficulty of content and a learner's ability to learn. It notes that learning is optimal when the cognitive load is aligned with human cognitive architecture. The document also describes the three types of cognitive load and how instructional designers can use this framework. Finally, it introduces cognitive flexibility theory, which focuses on advanced knowledge acquisition through representing concepts in multiple linked ways to promote flexible understanding across different contexts.