Connectivism - Mind Map

Learning and the Brain

I have come across two great articles that speak to the connection of learning and the brain.

The first article discusses the misperception of when and how often people learn.  It is often that you will hear the phrase, "You learn something new everyday" and the trueful fact is people do learn often. However, there are many things that fight against the brain's normal information processing functions. This list includes: teachers, designers, traditional schooling techniques, etc. The article continues to provide core principles and instructional techniques of brain-based learning. Every brain is unique in creation; so in learning, one must find meaning and purpose in what they learn.  I find this information relevant because the article discloses helpful information and solutions to ensure that the learner is engaged in a safe learning environment. There are also numerous thought-provoking blog posts from other readers. To read more, click the following:

http://www.funderstanding.com/content/brain-based-learning

The next article discusses cognitive brain functions, comparing it analogically to a computer. When I read this article, it reminded me of the points that Dr. Ormond made in the Information Processing and the Brain video. Comparingly, the article mentions "upgrading your cognitive skills" and "processing speeds" which is necessary to analyze and store infomation efficiently in the brain. The article goes on to provide six categories of cognitive skills and how brain training helps your brain move faster and better than before. I think this article is a great link to our class discussions in Week 2.

http://www.learningrx.com/cognitive-definition-faq.htm 

Learning and Development in the Workplace

As a Corporate Trainer, it is important to understand how individuals learn and the psychological processes that occur in the brain. A thorough knowledge of the learning theories, design models, and the difference between training and educating is crucial. There are numerous theories and models that support an individual’s learning process.   As I researched this topic, here are a few insightful articles and blog sites that speak to this topic.

The first resource that I will share is Jack Shaw’s Training and Development blog.  The blog post focuses on the difference between training and teaching.  The blog gives a side-by-side comparison of the two and how trainers and teachers can be equally described. What interests me about this article is the reference to training being the “how to” and teaching being the “why”.  There are several training related blog posts and categories ranging from Adult Learning to Talent Management.  I found this to be an interesting read.  This site will serve as an informative ongoing resource for comprehensible training topics.  If you are intrigued to learn more, click on the following link:

http://managementhelp.org/blogs/training-and-development/2010/12/02/what%e2%80%99s-the-difference-between-training-and-teaching/

The second resource is Michael Hanley’s E-Learning Curve Blog which speaks on blog and web-based eLearning, technology in education and continuous professional development. In the referenced article, “Constructivism in Workplace Learning and Development”, Michael shares his view on the constructivist approach to workplace learning.  The article continues to provide background information on Educational Psychologist, Jerome Bruner, and Bruner’s assertion that learning can occur without observable, apparent behavior.  I enjoyed reading Bruner’s take on the Instructor’s role in the learning process.  He states that the Instructor’s main responsibility is to help learners discover principles by themselves and to build on what the learner has already absorbed.  This process occurs through engaging dialogue between the Instructor and learner.  The article concludes with Handley sharing Bruner’s Learning Spiral which symbolizes a structured learning model that takes the individual through a sequence of stimulating learning methods.  To view this article, click on the following:

http://michaelhanley.ie/elearningcurve/constructivism-in-workplace-learning-and-development/2010/03/10/

The next resource that I would like to share is the Instructional Design Process found on the Repro Line’s, The Reading Room site. Being new to the Instructional Design role, I found this article extremely significant.  The article provides information on all components of the Instructional Design process from the simple definition to a breakdown of the ADDIE model.  I feel the article is a great refresher for experienced designers and a must read for beginners like myself.  I will use this resource as a guide to ensure that I am in touch with the basics of the ID process.  The full article is available through the following link:

http://www.reproline.jhu.edu/english/6read/6training/process/3ids.htm

The next article, “Instructional Design in Elearning” compliments the previous article well. It not only builds on the definitions and processes, but also provides alternative ID models.  In this resource, George Siemens explains how the role of an Instructional Designer has become relevant in Elearning.  The basis of this article revolves around the Instructional Designer’s objective which is “to serve the learning needs and success of students through effective presentation of content and fostering of interaction.” (Siemens, 2002)  To read more, click:

http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/InstructionalDesign.htm