Cognitive Tools

What is a cognitive tool?

Cognitive tools refer to learning WITH technology as opposed to learning with technology. Cognitive tools are generalisable computer tools that are intened to engage and facilitate cognitive learning. They scaffold the all-important processes of articulation and refelction which are the foundations of knowledge construction. They empower the learners to think more meaningfully and to assume their ownership of their knowledge, rather than reproducing the teacher's. Cognitive tools help learners with complex cognitive learning activities and critical thinking. These tools are learner controlled in the sense that they construct their knowledge themselves using the tools rather than memorizing knowledge. In this perspective, computer systems are "partners" that stimulate learners or groups of learners to make maximum use of their cognitive potential.

How do you use Cognitive Tools in teaching in schools?

Collaborative Hypertexts
This Wiki is also used in teaching, e.g. students participate through writing activities. During the summer semester 2006 a few students participate in a course that will only be offered once and that features only writing activities.

Tools for organising ideas
Concept maps

Basic Principles

· Cognitive tools will have their greatest effectiveness when they are applied within constructivist learning environments.
· Cognitive tools empower learners to design their own representations of knowledge rather than absorbing representations preconceived by others.
· Cognitive tools can be used to support the deep reflective thinking that is necessary for meaningful learning.
· Cognitive tools have two kinds of important cognitive effects, those which are with the technology in terms of intellectual partnerships and those that are of the technology in terms of the cognitive residue that remains after the tools are used.
· Cognitive tools enable mindful, challenging learning rather than the effortless learning promised but rarely realized by other instructional innovations.
· The source of the tasks or problems to which cognitive tools are applied should be learners, guided by teachers and other resources in the learning environment.
· Ideally, tasks or problems for the application of cognitive tools will be situated in realistic contexts with results that are personally meaningful for learners.
· Using multimedia construction programs as cognitive tools engages many skills in learners such as: project management skills, research skills, organization and representation skills, presentation skills, and reflection skills.
· Research concerning the effectiveness of constructivist learning environments such as microworlds, classroom-based learning environments, and virtual, collaborative environments show positive results across a wide range of indicators.