Learner cognitive behavior and influencing factors in web-based learning environment

Abstract

In educational institutions, to improve student learning outcome and performance, the information and communication technology has enabled us to embark web-based learning approaches. The traditional web-based learning environment in higher education is aimed at fulfilling the users for most of their deserved learning contents as per the course curriculum. But, in modeling the course curriculum and content, the motivational factors have been left out, through which the learner's cognitive skills development can take place. Therefore, in e-learning courses, this issue needs to be addressed. It can be resolved through subsuming suitable learning objectives and appropriate skills based interactive learning resources, which can enhance thinking skills and cognitive behavior of learner. This paper provides theoretical framework on the pedagogical factors that can influence the quality of students' learning experience and cognitive learning skills in web based learning environment. Furthermore, this study discusses about the role of prior knowledge and learner's thought process model in cognitive based learning environments.