Cognitive Flexibility Hypertext- Presented by Nicole Lester

Cognitive Flexibility Hypertext also known as CFH is a new instructional model that combines theory and technology of complex subject matter. (Spiro & Jheng 1990). Cognitive Flexibility Hypertext focuses on "the nature of learning ill- structured and advance knowledge domains". Hypertext refers to text displayed on a computer or other electronic devices suited for advanced learning. CFH participants can view text, pictures and videos while digesting and synthesizing their learning in multiple ways.

Theories that share a similar family tree: *Constructivsit Theory (Bruner) - students should be encouraged "construct" their own knowledge and build upon what they have already learned. * Subsumption Theory (Ausubel) - instructional materials should integrate new material with previously learned material; New and old ideas should be compared and cross-referenced. * Genetic Epistemology (Piaget)- students develop cognitively when they are presented with new situations that require them to adapt previously learned material. But, not to be confused, while Cognitive Flexibility Hypertext share these similar ideas its emphasis is on learning for more complex subject matter such as biology, medicine, math and comprehension.

Examples of Cognitive Flexibility Hypertext
http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/cognitive-flexibility.html.  In this example students must give a number of different perspectives for a clinical case.

http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/tip/spiro.html. 

Measure/ Assessment Cognitive Flexibility

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_flexibility


Refereces

Spiro, R., Jehng, J. (1990). Cognitive flexibility and hypertext: Theory and technology for the nonlinear and multidimensional traversal of complex subject matter.


Jonassen, D., Ambruso, D. & Olesen, J. (1992). Designing hypertext on transfusion medicine using cognitive flexibility theory. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 1(3), 309- 322.

Spiro, R.J. & Jehng, J. (1990). Cognitive flexibility and hypertext: Theory and technology for the non-linear and multidimensional traversal of complex subject matter.