Learning is not only a matter of the brain — it is a holistic process.
The Center for Holistic Learning Experiences (CHLX) explores how to design learning experiences that embrace the full complexity and plurality of learning.
First, in terms of resources: humans do not rely solely on their brains when thinking. They draw on their bodies, their environments, and interactions between both. This is why, when solving complex or abstract problems, we often rely on gestures or drawings to support our thinking.
Second, in terms of mechanisms: while cognitive processes are central to learning, affective mechanisms are equally fundamental. Often, teaching is not just about explaining something more clearly, but also about helping students navigate the emotions that are preventing them from thinking about the problem at hand.
Finally, in terms of media: emerging technologies offer powerful new possibilities for thinking and learning. Yet designing meaningful and effective learning technologies requires more than technical innovation: It calls for a deeply interdisciplinary dialogue between the Learning Sciences and Human-Computer Interaction.
