ID Research Precis 3

Liu, M., & Bera, S. (2005). An analysis of cognitive tool use patterns in a
hypermedia learning environment. Educational Technology Research and
Development,53(1), 5-21.


This study examined the use of cognitive tools by 6th graders to solve an ill-structured problem in a hypermedia program. Student log files were analyzed to determine what tools were used at various stages of solving the problem. Generally, early in the process, students focused more on tools that share cognitive load and support cognitive processing. In the later stages, students focused more on tools that support activities normally out of reach as well as hypothesis testing. The more successful students used cognitive processing and cognitive load tools more at the beginning and less at the end of the process.