Locating Online Resources

In utilizing search engines and the Walden Library databases (whew!), I located two electronic resources regarding learning and the brain. The first online resource I chose is “Teaching with the Brain in Mind”. It can be found at http://site.ebrary.com/lib/waldenu/docDetail.action?docID=10089220 and is located at the Walden eBrary.

In reviewing this resource, I found it to be extremely relevant and helpful in regards to understanding how the brain functions and how it relates to one’s learning under various circumstances and conditions. It presents a great deal of information and begins with an overview of the brain and its development from early childhood to adolescent years. It includes information on:  increasing student engagement; how previous knowledge impacts learning; how emotions effect learning; the physical learning environment and its effect on learning; motivation, learned helplessness, and how rewards play a role in learning; memory recall; and how the brain encodes and deals with problem solving. These topics are only a portion of the topics covered.

One of the reason I selected this resource is because it seems to provide much information about how the brain works, but more importantly, it offers real examples, and relates the concepts and theories to actual teaching. This more clearly enables me to better envision a future scenario for constructing and designing a learning environment for potential learners. This resource offers a good balance between theory and practical information. While reviewing portions of the resource, I was able to visualize clear applications for the information and concepts about which I was reading. I will certainly be keeping this resource in mind well into the future for continued reference.

The second online resource I selected is the “International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning”. It can be found at http://www.itdl.org/index.htm. Specifically, I located the article “Brain-Based Learning:  Possible Implications for Online Instruction”, within this online journal. The specific website for this article is: http://itdl.org/journal/sep_05/article03.htm.

One of the reasons for selecting this article is that it includes information about the brain and learning as they specifically relate to online learning environments. This is of great interest to me as both a current online student, and in my anticipated role in the future, as an effective online instructor. This information will also be quite helpful to me in the traditional classroom setting. It provides very specific concepts and suggestions with which to develop a successful learning environment. Another reason for selecting this article is that is contains four additional websites containing information on brain-based learning and an extensive reference list.

I hope some of this information will also be helpful to my fellow future instructional designers!
SB


References

Clemons, S. A., (2005, September), Brain-Based Learning:  Possible Implications for Online Instruction. The International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(9).

Jensen, E. (2005). Teaching with the Brain in Mind. Alexandria : Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development.

Introduction

In searching for various blog sites that might be helpful for me as an instructional designer, specifically as it might relate to my intended future use and applications of the knowledge gained as a result of the completion of this degree program, I have selected the following three sites:

1. Making Change – Ideas for Lively Elearning   http://blog.cathy-moore.com/
2. Beth's Thoughts on Technology in the Classroom  http://www.bethknittle.net/WP_Blog/
3. MPB Reflections – 21st Century Teaching and Learning   http://mpbreflections.blogspot.com/

 The content of site #1 is geared towards instructional design ideas, primarily as they might relate to elearning opportunities for various business environments. The originator of this site has a strong technology background and works with clients across the globe, assisting with ID skills for individuals as well as elearning. I selected this site for two reasons. First, I thought the information on this site, as it is primarily geared towards business organizations, would help broaden my understanding of theories, technologies and ID considerations in that I have been in an academic environment for many years and look to incorporate knowledge gained from this Master’s Degree program in my current environment for future curriculum and departmental changes that are on the horizon. Secondly, I thought the site would be beneficial as the primary target audience/learners are adults and I currently, and in the future will be working with individuals closer to this age range, as opposed to, ex., younger elementary aged learners.

The content of site #2 is geared towards learning and educational technology in a classroom setting. The originator of this site is currently a K-12 technology integration specialist. Her intent is to support teachers as they integrate technology in their classrooms. This is one of the reasons I chose this site. In my current position, I primarily coach an intercollegiate athletic team. I am looking, in the very near future, to transition to the classroom setting (both traditional and online) and want to be as effective as possible, in both curriculum design and utilizing technology, for my future students.

The content of site #3 is geared specifically towards teaching and learning at the community college level. This site, for me, is an obvious choice. As I currently work, and anticipate continuing to work, at a community college, I thought this site would be very helpful towards being more effective with my anticipated future position, direction, and goals.

Finally, a primary consideration for selecting all three of these sites is that they appeared to be current in both the originator’s postings as well as others who contributed to the sites. Additionally, as they do appear to be active, I hope to continue frequenting these sites after this course and into the future, as both a reader/learner and a contributor. In particular, site #3, which most closely relates to my current and anticipated working environment, has been active for the past four years. I have the belief the site will be continuing!

As a side note, the link from this week’s article by Ferriter, "Learning with Blogs and Wikis", was very helpful in providing the following website:  http://supportblogging.com/Links+to+School+Bloggers.