2. Network Adaptation
Restructuring What You Know
In the second phase, the brain begins to reshape its internal network. Learners test new information, adjust previous knowledge, and begin building new connections. This is where real cognitive effort occurs: misunderstandings get corrected, and complex concepts take shape.
Drawing on Piaget’s theories and supported by modern neuroplasticity research (Doidge, 2007), this phase highlights how the brain rewires itself in response to novelty and contradiction. AI can help by offering personalized pathways, simulations, or exploratory environments—provided that learners remain agents in the process.
This phase emphasizes the importance of reflection, feedback, and scaffolding. The role of teachers and tools is not to “give the right answer” but to support meaningful restructuring.
AI in This Phase: Use this tool wisely and choose your AI tool carefully.
✅ AI as a Support
-
Tailored feedback to support conceptual shift
-
Adaptive learning paths to foster knowledge transfer
-
Visualisations for conceptual understanding
-
Simulations for experimentation
⚠️ Potential Risks
-
Surface-level adaptation without deep processing
-
Inhibition difficulties: “easy path” bias
-
Overstandardisation reduces cognitive diversity
-
Passive transformation without real mental effort