Week 2 – Blog Assignment: Evaluating and Identifying Online Resources. This assignment request that I locate at least two resources (Web sites and/or online journals) on this week’s topics.
(1) The first website I selected is “The business of human learning operates in much the same manner. ...education.calumet.purdue.edu/vockell/.../edpsy6_info.htm”
This article relates to this week’s topic concerning information processing. It begins by describing how we as humans deal with information in step procedures. I was attracted to this article because the title interests me as it spoke about the operation of the business of human learning. Thereafter, the corresponding graph caught my attention. The model gave me a visual depicting how human information processing involves sensory register, working memory and long-term memory. This model reinforced my understanding of human information processing.
Upon further review of this website, I saw the correlation of our weekly readings. For example, the author explains how the working memory is also known as short-term memory. Reiterating that our short term memory is limited to only about seven items at a time, therefore, we must take such actions to maintain knowledge by rehearsing, shifting information to long-term memory or simply move it out of the short-term memory by forgetting it.
The article goes on to explain the operation of long-term memory. Long-term memory stores information for a long-time. The benefit of long term memory is the amount of information is unlimited and we do not have to constantly practice information in order to keep it stored in our brain. However, in order to retrieve the information, we must move it back into our working memory.
What was most attractive about this article for me was how the author demonstrated a scenario by way of juxtaposing human learning to the way an executive manages a business. For example, daily activities such as mail, phone calls, personal interactions and problems that occur in a business environment are similar to short term memory. Whereas, some of this information is soon to be forgotten, some is filed into what we consider long-term memory. Therefore, when new information arrives it is integrated with the old information or perhaps the new information is used for the purpose of updating or integrating to address a complicated problem.
Moreover, once I studied the graphics illustrating this model of how human information is processed this visual help me to understand how working memory is converted to long term memory. I invite everyone to review this article as it helps an instructional designer by detailing the significant factors relating to teaching learners how to acquire and retain information.
(2) My second article is Brain-based learning - Funderstanding . Traditional schooling, however, often inhibits learning by discouraging, ignoring, or punishing the brain's natural learning processes. ... http://www.funderstanding.com/content/brain-based-learning.
What caught my attention is the statement that “Traditional schooling, however, often inhibits learning by discouraging, ignoring, or punishing the brain's natural learning processes.” As I continue to read, I noticed the relationship pertaining to this week’s reading topic on the brain and learning. Titled “Brain-based Learning” It starts out defining how learning theory is based on the structure and function of the brain. As long as the brain is not prohibited from fulfilling its normal processes, learning will occur.
What was so striking about this article is how the author explained that traditional schooling usually hinders the learning process by w ay of discouraging, ignoring, or punishing the brain’s natural learning process.
Other golden nuggets that the author provides in this article are the breakdown of the core principles of brain-based learning: learning engages the whole physiology; the search for meaning is innate and come through patterning. Emotions are critical to patterning. The brain processes whole and parts simultaneously. The author further explains how learning involves both attention and peripheral perception along with both conscious and unconscious processes. We have spatial and rote involving two types of memory. He also informed us that we understand best when facts are embedded in natural, spatial memory. Learning is enhanced by challenge and inhibited by threat. Moreover, each brain is unique.
This website is of value to me because it provide some great tips and three instructional techniques associated with brain-based learning which are orchestrated immersion, relaxed alertness, active processing. He goes on to explain how brain-based learning impacts education through curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Furthermore, how the brain works has a significant impact on what kinds of learning activities are most effective.
Along with this wealth of knowledge, I was informed that designers of educational tools must be artistic in their creation of brain-friendly environments. Instructors need to realize that the best way to learn is not through lecture, but by participation in realistic environment that let learners try new things safely.
This article was somewhat profound to me in the way the author considered and motivated me as an instructional designer. I can assure once you review this article, you will be motivated and instructed as well. I really appreciate how the information was broken down into to manageable chunks where I could process, store, and retrieve as well as instructions on what I need to do to help learners with knowledge and innovative opportunities.
