Timeline of the History of Learning

This is an interactive timeline learning theories which includes historical figures form our Resource section. http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/Walden/EDUC/6115/01/mm/tec_timeline.html

Instructional Design and Learning Theories

In this article, Brenda Mergel offers a basic view and understanding of learning theories. You need to review this article! http://www.usask.ca/education/coursework/802papers/mergel/brenda.htm

Cognitive Games

Extra! Extra! Read all about IT: Did you know that the BRAIN needs care just like our BODY? This web is about Cognitive Improvement Games New scientific research shows that Lumosity can improve the health and function of our brains with the right mental workouts. http://www.lumosity.com/k/cognitive

Learning Theories

In this research, I located a list of every theory available to assist our learning in Instructional Design. Check it out! http://www.emtech.net/learning_theories.htm

Cognitivism

This article awoke my interest because it clearly defines Cognitivism and it explains how it is applied as a theory . The article also discusses other theories that we (our class) will need to know and understand in order to move forward with our discussions, applications, blogs, and the matrix assignment that is coming up soon. http://www.learning-theories.com/cognitivism.html

Instructional Design

This article caught my attention because it provides data regarding what is Instructional Design which is also known as Instructional Systems Design (ISD). The article also defines ID as the practice that maximizes the effectiveness, efficiency and appeal of instruction and other learning experiences. Its process consists of determining the needs of the learner, defining the end goal of instruction, and creating some "intervention" to assist in the transition. The process can take place in many different environments and theories need to be understood in order to plan learning strategies. The outcome of this instruction may be directly observable and scientifically measured. There are many instructional design models but many are based on the ADDIE model with the phases of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The articles also discusses various models that IDT practitioners should be aware of and I found it to be very interesting. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instructional_design

Adult Learning

In my current profession as a Computer Lab Instructor, I lead a class room learning environment and my students are adults. As an Instructor, I have faced the challenge of keeping the training interesting. This has resulted in always looking for new and creative ways of presenting content (software applications). I am always looking for activities that will keep students engaged and that will help them retain the information. I became very interested in this article because it explains step by step the experiences that Adult Learners may and can experience during learning or training experience and it provides resolutions for Instructors. These are a few of the topics that are discussed in this article: Reflection, authentic experiences, communication, dialog, discussion, self-assessment, correction, picture superiority effect and dual coding. As an Instructor, I have found that adult students learn best if dialogue is promoted in lessons, if students are able to reflect on task learned and completed, and when the student finds meaningfulness in the quality of education received.
Confucius (450BC) said” "Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand.”

http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt

What is Behaviorism?

As a group, we have read various resources that relate to learning theories. Melissa Standridge, in her article explains the factors that do define the theory. She explains that the theory has a focus on individual learning behavior that results from a stimulus-response association. This stimulus (the observable learning) is motivated by prior conditioning and psychological drives (cues) that will exist while the action of learning takes place. The individual behavior is viewed as one that has been learned and that it is interchangeable by new experiences of learning if the behavior is rewarded. This article also discusses the advocates of Behavorism who provide illustrations regarding the important factors that do support the theory. I invite you to review this straight forward article.

http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Behaviorism#Classroom_Importance