Cognition and distance learning

Abstract

Can distance learning transform higher education, saving money and improving student learning? Modern technologies allow instructors to design distance learning environments with all the features of traditional courses and more. What findings from research on instruction can help course designers make effective choices? I argue that students who take an autonomous stance towards instruction tend to learn from most courses, and that course designers who take a scaffolded knowledge integration approach to course design can enable autonomous learning. To help designers create courses that transform passive students into autonomous learners, this article draws on recent research on instruction. I describe the scaffolded knowledge integration framework and use this framework to interpret current approaches to distance learning. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Meeting the needs of medical students training in paediatrics and child health

“…Hence one of the challenges facing our universities is to transform passive ‘classroom’ students into active self‐directed learners. Linn 3 describes passive learners as expecting to absorb information, failing to identify connections between ideas, and frequently forgetting what they learn. In contrast, autonomous learners use books, electronic media, networked communication, discussion forums, etc., to gain a linked, connected, integrated and cohesive understanding of a topic with improved retention.…”

Automated free-text assessment: some lessons learned

“…Fourth, students may have different levels of expertise/experience. Linn (1996) elaborated a list of capabilities for students engaged in an academic context. This list is transferable to any LLL situation and emphasises two main capabilities necessary for the protagonists of such a situation.…”

A Tale of Two Forums: One Professor's Path to Improve Learning through a Common Online Teaching Tool

“…To begin the tale, I present a brief overview of research on online learning and ADFs in particular. I then present a framework, Linn's (1996) scaffolded knowledge integration, for assessing and designing courses in which ADFs play a major role in a learner's experience. I then discuss the course, Leading School Reform, into which I have been integrating ADFs.…”

“…How Does Scaffolded Knowledge Integration Create Autonomous Learners? Linn (1996) suggests the following guidelines for making distance learning effective:  Courses need goals that are understandable by learners and perceived as achievable.  Courses need to make the important and difficult ideas, practice, and culture of the given discipline visible to learners.…”

“…Critiquing the First Attempt Through the Perspective of Scaffolded Knowledge Integration Framework. Several aspects of the first attempt to implement ADFs into my course appeared problematic when held up against the scaffolded knowledge integration framework (Linn, 1996).…”