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  learning. CFH participants can view text, pictures and videos while processing and combining their learning in multiple ways. 

Theories that share a similar family tree:*Constructivsit Theory (Bruner) - students should be encouraged to "construct" their own knowledge and build upon what they have already learned, a K-W-L chart. * Subsumption Theory (Ausubel) - instructional materials should integrate new material with previously learned material; New and old ideas should be compared and cross-referenced. One example that come to mind are books that are being replaced with Kindles, students are downloading textbooks instead of purchasing them.      *Genetic Epistemology (Piaget)- students develop cognitively when they are presented with new situations that require them to adapt previously learned material. 

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- used in children.

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.