Knowledge acquisition occurs through the process of learning. Effective Online Learning design must take into account human cognitive processing that is associated with learning and the acquisition of knowledge.
How does learning happen? Through research (Atkinson and Shiffin) an information processing model has been developed that explains the cognitive process of learning. The model proposes that knowledge acquisition is a mental process that passes information through three memory stores:
These are not viewed as anatomical structures in the brain but rather as functionally distinct types of memory.
The sensory store can only hold information for approximately 1/4 of a second. Although short, this is long enough for stimulus and attendance of the sight, auditory, smell and touch senses. These raw sensations are then passed onto the short term memory or 'working memory'. The belief is that working memory is the main work area for thought, the conscious centre of the brain, however working memory storage capacity and duration is limited. Current research suggests a capacity of seven (plus or minus 2) chunks of information for a duration of 20- 30 seconds.
Because of working memory's limited capacity, information must be continually moved out of working memory and into storage in long term memory, this process is referred to as 'Encoding'. Storage implies that at some stage information will need to be retrieved and therein lies the limitation and bottle neck of human cognitive processing.
For the retrieval process to be efficient, encoded information must be stored in a way that is meaningful or it will be lost. One theory suggests that we store every bit of information that enters our senses but because there is no meaning applied to it retrieval is almost impossible. It is only when certain events occur that the memory is retrieved. For example, how often has a tune or a fragrance triggered memories of some long pass event.
To apply meaning to information it must be practiced in some way. For example, techniques such as repetitively verbalizing, applying visual images, and 'thinking' about information allows us to strengthen the encoding process and thus make retrieval easier. Cognitive psychologists refer to this as 'Rehearsal', defined as the process of recycling the information through the working memory.
When Rehearsal is effective it succeeds in encoding information into the long term memory where it will be stored almost indefinitely. At this stage information has changed into knowledge, now it can be usefully retrieved and used to carry out a task or to apply meaning to more of the information flooding into the short term memory.
This short explanation is by no means comprehensive but it does form the basis for good Online Learning design.