Computers as Cognitice Tools

IgniteEducate makes use of Computers as Cognitive Tools (Drew, 2019) to enable a higher level learning environment for our students. We foster partnership between man and machine (Salomon, Perkins and Globerson, 1991) and use technology to enable higher levels of motivation, cognition, emotion and social connection. These factors are instrumental to high level engagement and learning. Our learning model is very practical and requires active involvement, project based learning and the creating of 'artefacts' (Harel and Papert, 1991) which become transferable and negotiable cognitive residue (Salomon, Perkins and Globerson, 1991).

Theoretical Framework:
Computers as cognitive tools

Characteristics of

Computers as Cognitive Tools

Categories of

Computers as Cognitive Tools

Characteristics of Computers as Cognitive Tools

Knowledge Representation

Computers must be used to support goal orientated cognitive processing. That means that computers must assist learners to represent knowledge in a more structured and purposeful way than what was possible traditionally. Learners must be able to express ideas and relationships between their ideas in a continuous, developing manner, making adaptations to the representations as their knowledge grows (Pakdaman-Savoji, Nesbit and Gajdamaschko, 2019).

Computers allow indefinite access to their knowledge representations (Pakdaman-Savoji, Nesbit and Gajdamaschko, 2019).

Interactivity

Interactive use of computers means that learning takes place in partnership with computers (Drew, 2019). Humans use computers to perform tasks more efficiently. Through use of computers, and specifically cloud computing, collaboration has become possible beyond traditional boundaries of time, space and geographical location (Mell and Grace, 2011)

Use of computers as cognitive tools result in deep learning, higher order cognition and cognitive residue, even in the absence of external devices (Pakdaman-Savoji, Nesbit and Gajdamaschko, 2019).

Distributed Cognition

Our world is filled with problems to be solved and challenges to overcome. At the core of identifying and solving these problems lies humanity.

Use of computers for distributed cognition means that computers facilitate lower order thinking, such as memorization and organization, freeing more time and energy up for higher order thinking by humans. This lowers the cognitive burden we would traditionally experience trying to remember our daily schedule, contact details, what was discussed in our last meeting etc. and allows more time for solving the problems we face on a daily basis.

Semantic Organization Tools

Meaning: Tools that represent semantic (logical) relationships between ideas.

Example of tools: Database tools such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Microsoft Access. Concept mapping tools such as Miro, Sketchboard, MindMup and other tools.

Dynamic Modelling Tools

Meaning: Tools which describe the dynamic relationships among ideas.

Example: Spreadsheets, Expert systems such as AI, Systems modelling software and Programmable environments.

Socially Shared Tools

Meaning: Learning is constructed through social negotiation of meaning and truth. Focus on communication and storage of information and truth on private and public forums.

Example: E-mail , video conferencing, chats, discussion boards. Collaboratory notebook, Whatsapp, YouTube, Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Slack, Telegram, Skype, Zoom.

Visualization Tools

Meaning: Create images of abstract phenomena which would not normally be visible.

Example: Drawing Apps such as MS OneNote or Canva, Chemistry visualization apps. Dramatic increase in video media through apps such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.