Distributed cognition

Draft

Developed by Edwin Hutchins, distributed cognition is the theory that knowledge lies not only within the individual but in the individual's social and physical environment.

The dependence of the theory on the social and physical environment of the individual makes it very useful in analysing human-computer interactions and educational technologies.

Links

• Distributed Cognitions- some theory
• Also on Distributed Cognitions' site: CSILE] - some practice in the form of a "Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment" that supports 'knowledge building'.

References

• Hutchins, E., Hollan, J., Edwin Hutchins,and Kirsch, D. (1999). Distributed Cognition: A New Foundation for Human-Computer Interaction Research, Draft Submission for TOCHI Special Issue on Human-Computer interaction in the New Millennium

• Pea, R. (1993). Practices of Distributed Intelligence and Designs for Education. In G. Salomon (ed.), Distributed Cognitions: Psychological and Educational Considerations, (pp. 47-87). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

• Perkins, D. Salomon, G. Individual and Social Aspects of Learning (accessed July 10, 2006)