CFT

I would say that Cognitive Flexibility Theory could be described as an improved version of case-based reasoning. By which I mean, it is basically the cased-based reasoning model we looked at last week...but it much more focused and complex. It seems as though the developer of this model took the idea of CBR and simply took it to the next step. I feel that many of the models we have looked at in the course have aligned with the constructivist theory of education. However, I feel like this example is highly constructivist. Being a fan of constructivism, it's hard to find things that I do not like about this model. I could raise all the same arguments for why I like CFT for the same reasons I like CBR.

CFT also seems to fit extremely well in a multimedia environment. Rather than being told which cases to use or which cases are important, the student is left to sort through a number of candidates and determine which one best aligns with the problem and which ones provide the needed information. Could anything be closer to real research. Sure, the database is smaller and contained within the lesson, so it's not quite as vast as a real database of case files would be. But still, aside from learning the content...the student is learning how to conduct proper and efficient research. This is a skill that any future college student is going to need to develop before he/she gets to college...so I like that aspect of it as well. I also like the fact that cases need-not simply be a textual document which the student must read. Rather, the EASE example provides videos and photographs and other materials which provide information and are used as cases or examples. This is an excellent and proper use of multimedia to enhance a learning experience....because it also demonstrates the importance and power of media while conveying information simultaneously. And, let's face it, this type of user interface is much more efficient and friendly than a huge stack of case files for a student to read.

I also thought the last example in the lecture was very interesting. The student uses the cases, and information contained therein, to make decisions while treating a virtual patient. The consequences of the decisions are manifested in a simulation. This type of learning module would be very complex to develop and require quite a bit of expertise but I think it is an excellent example of how useful and effective this method can be. This can be especially useful for educating future doctors, lawyers, teachers, and even engineers. The possibilities are endless.