Information Processing (IP)

Dr. Michael Orey of the Department of Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology, University of Georgia has an interesting article on Information processing (IP).  This process by which we learn in cognitive theory is often compared to how a computer’s processor functions.  When we speak of learning often times there is a reference to short-term memory (STM) or working memory (WM) and Long Term Memory (LTM).   The computer has three components: sensory register (SR), short-term memory (STM) or working memory, and long-term memory (LTM).  Can you see the similarities?  Humans have sensory registers (SR), but we call them hearing (echoic) and seeing (iconic). It interesting to note that a Power Point presentation is more effective when narration is added that is explaining what the visual presentation is illustrating.

I recommend that you take a look at this article as Dr. Orey does an excellent job explaining these concepts about the brain and learning, information processing theory, and problem-solving methods during the learning process.

 Reference

Orey, M. (2001). Information Processing. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved <insert date>, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

THE BRAIN & LEARNING

Here is a site that I find myself going back to time and again.  Why, you may ask?  In my quest to understand how the human mind works in relation to learning theories as it applies to instructional design & technology,  this has been a good resource to find explanations in the field of psychology.  Take for example the article explaining Pioneers of Psychology: Lev Vygotsky by Kendra Cherry.  Vygotsky’s sociocultural theories, including the concepts of proximal development and guided practice in learning, are very revealing as to how we learn.  The application here for the instructional designer suggests that learning is a social process.  We then have to remember to engage our learners in eLearning venues with social interactions from instructor and students among themselves to maximize learning opportunities.  Read the article listed here for more understanding on the topic of the brain and learning, information processing theory, and problem-solving methods during the learning process.

http://psychology.about.com/b/2011/12/01/biography-of-lev-vygotsky.htm

UTMB Human Resources : Careers

UTMB Human Resources : Careers

Three Valuable Resources For Instructional Design

Blog: The Learning, Education and Training Professionals Group http://www.infed.org/biblio/b-learn.htm

Fadnavis Nagesh, Manager, Operations at TechBuddy Consulting, has a very interesting discussion group in the Learning, Education and Training Professionals Group on LinkedIn. He discusses a research paper of M. K. Smith entitled, “Learning theory” the encyclopedia of informal education. This resource is a very informative look at the various theories of learning and their applications.   As an instructional designer begins to work they must consider: how we learn, the intended audience, and the method of delivery used.  Knowing this, it is imperative that a through understanding of learning theories and their application be at the forefront of consideration in any instructional design. Smith’s research paper is a wealth of information (and additional resources) that reads like a review guide into the theories of how we learn.  I highly recommend this blog and this paper for your review.

When we approach the subject of the theory of learning, how do you think the application changes in the instructional design of e-learning? “We define e-learning as training delivered on a computer (including CD-ROM, Internet, or Intranet) that is designed to support individual or organized performance goals”(Clark, 2008).  This seems to greatly limit the possibilities when social interaction is deemed to be so valuable in the experience of learning. What are you thoughts?

References

Clark, R. & Mayer, R. E-learning and the science of instruction (2nd edition) Hoboken: Wiley. ISBN: 9780787986834.

http://www.linkedin.com/groupItem?view=&gid=27003&type=member&item=88068626&commentID=63939089&report%2Esuccess=8ULbKyXO6NDvmoK7o030UNOYGZKrvdhBhypZ_w8EpQrrQI-BBjkmxwkEOwBjLE28YyDIxcyEO7_TA_giuRN#commentID_63939089

Smith, M. K. (2003) 'Learning theory', the encyclopedia of informal education, www.infed.org/biblio/b-learn.htm, Last update: December 04, 2011

Blog: Instructional Design for eLearning Approaches: http://ideas.blogs.com/

One topic this Blog discusses is Chickering & Gamson's (1987) 'Seven Principles of Effective Teaching' in which they consider good practices for an eLearning instructor to be: ”encourages contact between students and faculty, develops reciprocity and cooperation among students, encourages active learning, gives prompt feedback, emphasizes time on task, communicates high expectations, and respects diverse talents and ways of learning”.

These considerations help to promote a positive environment for learning and should be concomitant with instructional design.

This blog also contains articles on the following: Benefits of Learning Online, Online Course Design and Faculty Development, Constructivist training for Online Teachers and Reviewing Synchronous Learning Objects.  As you can see, there are a lot of discussions that would benefit an instructional designer.

Blog Site: EduBlogs: http://edublogs.org/

This site states that they are, “ Used by leading universities, school districts, government departments and individual schools around the world...” After reviewing some of the resources that I found on this site, I can see why that quote is true.  This is a wealth of information for the instructional designer to learn and apply new ideas. I navigated to the Cornell University site: Blogs.cornell.edu http://blogs.cornell.edu/ to their Blog Resources section to find all sorts of current information on Blogging. I would recommend this resource for your review.