Cognitive Arts

About Cognitive Arts

In the early 1990s, the world of artificial intelligence and learning theory was buzzing with new ideas. At the center of this was Roger Schank, a prominent researcher and professor at Northwestern University. In 1994, Schank decided to commercialize the work being done at his Institute for the Learning Sciences. This led to the creation of Cognitive Arts, a company founded to bring cutting-edge, simulation-based training to the corporate world. Initially known as Learning Sciences Corporation, the company aimed to revolutionize corporate training by moving beyond static manuals and into interactive, goal-based learning scenarios. The company provided e-learning services to major clients, including Fortune 500 companies in the retail and financial sectors. The core idea was 'learn by doing,' using software to create realistic simulations that helped employees acquire new skills in a practical context. This approach was built on decades of cognitive science research, much of it led by Schank himself. A significant chapter in the company's story came in early 2003. The Indian IT and training powerhouse, NIIT, was looking to expand its footprint in the U.S. corporate knowledge solutions market. They saw a perfect strategic fit in Cognitive Arts. NIIT acquired the company, gaining a team of 40 consulting professionals and access to a roster of high-profile American clients. The acquisition marked the end of the line for Cognitive Arts as an independent entity but validated its pioneering approach to technology-based learning.