The New Science of Learning: Using the Power and Potential of the Brain to Inform Digital Learning

Integrating education practices and measurements of brain activity has the potential to make learning more engaging and productive. Direct recordings of electrical activity in the brain provide important information about the complex dynamics of the cognitive processes and mental states that occur during learning, which can ultimately empower learners. In this article, electroencephalographic (EEG) methodologies, including the time-frequency and event-related potential techniques, are introduced, and the application of these techniques to studies of digital learning studies is discussed. Considerations of how to collect high quality data in both laboratory and real world settings are also presented, along with potential research directions. Finally, a general guideline for publishing results is offered. These issues are critical for producing useful applications of EEG studies to the digital learning research community.