Cognitivism views the mind as a processor of information that is actively learned and stored in memory through mental processes. It developed out of behaviorism and Gestalt theory and was influenced by the work of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky. When designing eLearning according to cognitivism, instruction should break courses into hierarchical units that build on each other, use varied sensory inputs, graphic organizers, and allow reflection and revisiting of information to improve memory and learning.

1. Cognitivism

2. Cognitivism Defined
The mind is a “black box” to be opened
and understood.
Mentally processing information allows it to
be transferred to the memory, and thereby
„learned‟.

3. History of Cognitivism
Behaviourism
Gestalt Theory
Cognitivism
Jean Piaget
-people as active processors
- learning in distinct stages
Vygostsky
- Zone of Proximal Development
- language & thought develop independently

4. Memory

5. Design of eLearning
An approach for cognitive learning:
Analyse course->break into smaller units
Sequence units hierarchically
-> learning requires mastery of previous units
“Chunking” units
-> same process at unit level

6. Application to eLearning
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Maximize on types of sensory input for more info
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Use graphic formats to organize information
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Encourage reflection so students think about their
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learning process
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Allow students to revisit information
to improve memory

7. Examples
Hierarchical Units
“Chunking”

8. Bibliography
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http://www.learning-theories.com/cognitivism.html access October 6, 2013
http://www.edudemic.com/a-simple-guide-to-4-complex-learning-theories/ accessed October 6, 2013
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_theory_(education) accessed October 6, 2013
"Learning theories of Instructional Design", B. Mergel, May 1998
http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/802papers/mergel/brenda.htm accessed October 9, 2013
BlueSofaMedia. “Use a Learning Theory: Cognitivism.” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 5 July 2013. Web. 13
Oct. 2013.
The Theory and Practice of Online Learning. Ed Terry Anderson. 2nd Ed. Edmonton: Athabasca University Press,
2008.
Training Room. Commonwealth of Australia. Web. 13 Oct 2013.
<http://toolboxes.flexiblelearning.net.au/demosites/series12/12_09/toolbox12_09/resources/training/book/qg/learnthe
ory/learntheory.htm>
Carlile, Orison; Jordan, Anne. "It works in practice but will it work in theory? The theoretical underpinnings of
pedagogy." AISHE Readings. 13 Oct 2013. <http://www.aishe.org/readings/2005-1/carlile-jordanIT_WORKS_IN_PRACTICE_BUT_WILL_IT_WORK_IN_THEORY.html>