Learning sciences

The learning sciences is a field of interdisciplinary study that works to further scientific understanding of learning as well as engage in the design and implementation of learning innovations. Research in the learning sciences traditionally focuses on cognitive-psychological and social-psychological foundations of human learning, as well as on the design of learning environments (e.g., educational software such as intelligent tutors, programming languages, learning management systems, etc). Over the past decade, researchers have also expanded their focus to the design of curricula, informal learning environments, and policy innovations. Major contributing fields include cognitive science, computer science, psychology, education, neuroscience, and social science.

Northwestern University's program in the Learning Sciences ([1]) is one of the pioneers in the field. They define Learning Sciences as a confluence of three interlinked strands of research ([2]):

Cognition: constructing scientific models of the structures and processes of learning and teaching by which organized knowledge, skills and understanding are acquired

Design: building environments for learning and teaching, incorporating multimedia, artificial intelligence, computer networks and innovative curriculum and classroom activity structures

Social Context: examining the social, organizational and cultural dynamics of learning and teaching situations, including classrooms, schools, school districts, museums, corporations and homes

Currently, there exists an International Society of Learning Sciences (ISLS, [3]), which runs two journals: The Journal of the Learning Sciences and "The International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning".

See also

• Cognitive Science
• Artificial intelligence
• Instructional technology
• Educational psychology
• Cognitive psychology

External links

• International Society of the Learning Sciences
• The Journal of the Learning Sciences
• International Journal of Computer Support for Collaborative Learning

Programs/Departments of Study

• Northwestern University
• Stanford University
• Learning Sciences Institute - Vanderbilt
• CARAT Learning Sciences Program - University of Michigan
• Pittsburgh Science of Learning Center - U of Pitt & Carnegie Mellon
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Indiana University
• National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
• Tufts University
• University of Illinois at Chicago
• University of Nottingham, UK
• University of Utah
• University of Washington, Seattle
• University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Carnegie Mellon University

Research Centers

NSF Science of Learning Centers

• Center for Connected Learning & Computer Based Modeling (CCL), Northwestern University
• Center for Learning in Education, Science, and Technology, Boston University, University of Pittsburgh
• The Learning in Informal and Formal Environments (LIFE) Center, University of Washington, Stanford University and SRI International
• Pittsburgh Science of Learning Center:Studying Robust Learning with Learning Experiments in Real Classrooms, Carnegie-Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh
• Spatial Intelligence and Learning Center (SILC), Temple University
• The Temporal Dynamics of Learning Center, University of Caifornia, San Diego
• Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning

Noted Learning Sciences Researchers

• John D. Bransford
• Ann L. Brown
• John Seely Brown
• Alan Collins
• Andy diSessa
• Uri Wilenksy
• Brian Reiser
• Bruce Sherin
• Carol Lee
• Roy Pea
• Louis Gomez
• Daniel Edelson
• James W Pellegrino
• Daniel L. Schwartz
• Reed Stevens
• Kurt VanLehn