Cognitive Learning & Technology

The cognitive learning theory stresses more than just the mastering of skills and the reinforcement and practice of these skills. James Hartley (1998) states that the “Learning results from inferences, expectations and making connections. Instead of acquiring habits, learners acquire plans and strategies, and prior knowledge is important (Hartley, 1998). The cognitive learning theory has several key principles (Hartley, 1998):
• Instruction should be well-organized. Well-organized materials easier to learn and to remember.
• Instruction should be clearly structured. Subject matters are said to have inherent structures - logical relationships between key ideas and concepts - which link the parts together.
• The perceptual features of the task are important. Learners attend selectively to different aspects of the environment. Thus, the way a problem is displayed is important if learners are to understand it.
• Prior knowledge is important. Things must fit with what is already known if it is to be learnt.
• Differences between individuals are important as they will affect learning. Differences in 'cognitive style' or methods of approach influence learning.
• Cognitive feedback gives information to learners about their success or failure concerning the task at hand. Reinforcement can come through giving information - a 'knowledge of results' - rather than simply a reward.

The use of advanced organizers, structures that help students to classify and make sense of their new learning content, help students focus on their learning. Technology provides a variety of tools and applications for creating a variety of organizers for teacher and student use. Organizers provide structures and visually display relationships between key ideas and link the parts together.

Students also make connections to their learning through synthesizing what they have learned through summarizing and note taking. Microsoft word and Inspiration are two applications that can help enhance and improve students’ note- taking skills.

Wikis and blogs provide students with a method to collaboratively participate in note-taking and summarizing. This form of collaboration can provide the students with more in-depth conversation that can extend beyond the allotted time in the classroom (Pitler, et al, 2007).

The students of the 21st century need these online learning tools for learning as it prepares them for future success in the workplace. Online collaboration, visual tools for presentation, synthesizing and writing information in a concise form will be valuable skills for each student to refine and perfect for their future.