The efforts directed at helping learners enjoy the learning process are getting diversified every moment. Owing to the fact that all people do not assimilate information at the same speed, the need for looking at other options is justified. The difference in assimilation of information can be traced back to a number of factors. From an early age, children are exposed to different set of activities and tasks that help them build their mental prowess. The social conditions of their surroundings can also influence how solid this mental ability gets.
The development of mental abilities at the educational level has a lot to do with what is known as cognition. In simple words, cognition refers to the processes and actions that occur in the brain, with the end result being the acquisition of knowledge. The processes encompass the input of the human senses, experiences, and the thought process. Through the interaction of these aspects, processes such as attention, making decisions, memory, language, and problem solving are worked out.
Cognitive skills are developed in all people overtime, starting from birth. The speed of development, however, varies considerably. This is demonstrated in all learners irrespective of learning level.
The challenges often become pronounced when a student has to tackle a subject or course that sends him into mental overdrive. It’s not like he is too dumb to assimilate – he needs a bit more time than a genius or other students to take in what he’s being taught and exposed to. Cutting down on this time leads these particular ones to experience overtime fatigue. This is because their brain is trying to assimilate more than it is used to, which brings up the commonly known term ‘cramming’ among students or sometimes using additional professional college essay helper in order to reduce the burden on mental activity. We must admit that there’s a big problem looming when learners begin to ‘cram’ for the grades, rather than the knowledge they need to excel in their chosen fields.
The Role of Technology in Honing Cognitive Skills
What is technology?
The simplest definition of this term has to do with the practical use of science and technology to solve problems and improve life. Technology has been in existence for quite some time in the human world. And thanks to the availability of scientifically minded press conferences, journals and a host of technology articles, we are able to track the development of new improvements. Every day, technological appliances are being improved to match the needs of people. These needs range from those concerned with transactions to those that offer relaxation alternatives. The needs of students are not an exception to this. Application developers are working towards easing the process of understanding complex topics in various disciplines.
Keeping in mind the components that encompass cognition, the uses of technology are being extended beyond the use of search engines and applications with inbuilt databases. There is progressive work on virtual reality and how it can impact the speed of understanding in students. This technological advancement involves the use of 3D objects to create a conducive learning atmosphere. Virtual reality requires the participation of the human senses of sight and hearing. And it has been proven that some learners do better when shown images of what they are being taught rather than words alone. This tallies as one of the uses of technology that is still in its developmental prime. Of course, a commendable level of work has been carried out relating to virtual reality use in classrooms, and many more improvements are expected in the nearest future. The experience is made possible by the use of special simulators in form of goggles or headsets that create the required conditions while simulating a real-life process.
Virtual reality simulation can also be used with the help of physical models simulating certain processes. For example, in teaching facilities for midwives and obstetricians, simulator models in the form of parturient females are being used during classes. These models help the students understand the various changes that occur in a woman’s body during labor. In countries where students are not allowed to see parturient women at the request of the patient, this can be very handy. By simulating real-life labor sounds and movements, the parturient woman simulator can help improve cognitive activities for these learners, which can improve their understanding of the process.
Video games are another category that has been immersed into the educational process. The core of video games is often made up of intriguing storylines that tend to pull the player in. These storylines have the potential of being re-arranged or replaced with data relating to a specific discipline. The good part of involving video games in learning is that it appeals to learners of all ages. Already some institutions are making this move, coupled with the use of ipads in the classroom. Video games engage the mind and emotions, and can as well influence decision-making, which is an important product of cognition. While the whole concept of gaming is relatively known, its application towards educational processes is a worthy step.
Another innovation worthy of mention is the use of interactive LCD touch boards. These boards are multiple-user friendly, meaning that they can be accessed simultaneously by more than one learner. This is a great way of fostering the interaction between students. Interaction is also key for cognitive development. By having multiple users working together, these touch boards may not only enhance learning, but provide a good foundation for the art of teamwork. Mastering the art of teamwork gives these learners an edge as they get to learn how to work with others before encountering the real world.
