Evaluating and Identifying Online Resources

These are some useful resources that I found that are related to this week's topics.

Cognitiveapproaches

Link: http://cognitiveapproaches.pbworks.com/w/page/10506171/Cognitive%20Information%20Processing%20Theory

The cognitive information processing (CIP) theory is detailed on this site.  It is described as a composite of multiple theoretical perspectives that explains human learning as the development of networked memory structures. It further explains that the human brain is akin to a neural computer, which differs from the "black box" of behaviorism. Declarative, procedural and conditional knowledge gets stored in the brain. Problem solving depends on two key factors: information processing capability and stored information.  The Models of Information Processing (the dual memory or two store model) are explained.  The stage theory consists of the sensory memory stage, short-term memory and long-term memory. There is also information on key attributes of the process such as attention perception, encoding, storage, and retrieval.

BrainConnection.com

Link: http://brainconnection.positscience.com/gen/?main=aboutbc

This site was designed to provide quality information on the ways in which people learn, and how the brain functions. There is information pertaining to such components as language, memory, behavior and aging as well as tools for teaching and learning. There is an interesting article on whether music education can really enhance brain functioning and academic learning. Among other things, this three-page article takes a look at the study devised by Gordon Shaw and Frances Rauscher called the "Mozart effect�, which examined the relationship between music and spatial task performance. Here is the link to the article: http://brainconnection.positscience.com/topics/?main=fa/music-education

The only drawback on this web site is one of navigational functionality. Some of the links are broken.

Learning Theories and Instruction

Link: http://learningtheoriesandinstruction.blogspot.com/2010/02/reflections-on-learning-theories-and.html

This is a blog created by a Walden student named Eileen Taft, who had taken the Learning Theories and Instruction course in 2010.  I subscribed to it, because I believe it can serve as a good area of reference. Her reflections on the course and subject matter are interesting.

Study Guides and Strategies

Link: http://www.studygs.net/pbl.htm

The Problem-based learning (PBL) model is described as an alternative to classroom learning. It states that the teacher presents the learner with problems, not lectures or assignments or exercises. Since no "content" is given, learning becomes active in the sense that the student determines by researching and discovering what content is necessary to solve the problem.   A simplified model of nine eessential steps to implement problem based learning is presented:

1.      Explore the issues

2.      List "What do we know?"

3.      Develop, and write out, the problem statement in your own words.

4.      List out possible solutions

5.      List actions to be taken with a timeline

6.      List "What do we need to know?"

7.      Write up your solution with its supporting documentation, and submit it.

8.      Review your performance

9.      Celebrate your work!

This site also explains that problem based learning provides people the opportunity to not only improve people and communication skills, but to also display more flexibility when processing information.

Human behavior, learning, and the developing brain: Atypical development

Link: http://books.google.com/books/about/Human_behavior_learning_and_the_developi.html?id=O4AYOK-A4LwC

This is a book by Donna Coch, Geraldine Dawson, and Kurt W. Fischer called Human Behavior, Learning, and the Developing Brain. This was found using the Walden Library database, but it can also be found of Google books. Brain-behavior relationships are examined, as well as research on clinical problems, such as autism, Williams syndrome, learning and language disabilities, ADHD, etc. Additionally, the effects of social stress and maltreatment on brain development and behavior are thoroughly reviewed. Methods from developmental neuroscience, developmental psychology, and cognitive science are utilized throughout the book.

Instructional Design Blogs and Newsletters

Here are some websites and blogs that I have discovered that can be helpful to teachers and designers in instructional design. They also detail the effective ways that instructional design can be implemented and taught through blogging. 

 

The Teachers' Podcast

Link: http://teacherspodcast.org/

This is a website lead by Dr. Kathleen King and Mark Gura. Despite a rather simple website design and a few broken links, there is extensive information that can be very useful for teachers and instructional designers to read and utilize. This site contains several archives of virtual podasting, along with links to e-learning, k-12 virtual schools, Nings, and Facebook. Mark and Kathy discuss the opportunities offered by virtual learning communities. There are also lessons offered about adult learning, advancements of podcasting and classroom application.
In a section on podcastforteachers.org there is a link to The Adult Education and Human Resource Development Master’s program at Fordham University. It is designed to address the needs of people who are responsible for staff development, training and human resource development of adults in educational settings. There is also a concentration in technology training and working with teachers as adult learners.

Class Blogmeister

Link: http://classblogmeister.com/

This website emphasizes learning as a way of conversation. Users can find a list of bloggers by state or country. The blogs are about various aspects of life and culture.  The site contains related links to other sites pertaining to the particular topic. Teachers can realize the value and benefits of classroom blogging, as a source of communications, and mechanism for gaining insight into what and how students are learning. This blogging service is specifically intended for classroom use. The accounts are established and maintained by the classroom teacher. Teachers can use the site for professional blogging publishing functions, and to manage and publish student assignments and activities.

Edublogs

Link: http://edublogs.org/

Edublogs touts its ability to create and manage student blogs. Edublogs allows users to quickly customize designs and include videos, photos and podcasts. One of the most powerful features described is the ability for teachers to seamlessly create and manage blogs for students. This functionality gives teachers the right to decide if students can post on blogs. Additionally, posts and comments must be approved before being unveiled to the public. Teachers are also able to log in as administrators on student blogs to help create new themes or make necessary changes. The site offers three blogging services: Edublogs Free, Pro, and Campus.

University of Florida Academic Technology Newsletters

Link: http://newsletters.at.ufl.edu/topics/instructional-design

This is a newsletter site consisting of articles about instructional design from the University of Florida. Among the highlights on the home page, is a conversation on whether Twitter has a place in education? An instructor explains that Twitter can create a community outside of class since she has used Twitter with students in order to communicate with themselves and other “tweeters” outside of class. It is apparent that this can be useful; in a language class, students are required to tweet three times a week in the target language, and also have to respond to a classmate’s tweet. The instructor believes that this type of communication helps to create a stronger connection both within and beyond the class, and creates relationships during the semester. Additionally, fluent and primary speakers of that language can join in on Twitter.

There are newsletters available on the site for faculty members and students. They pertain to teaching with technology and teaching by design. The Teaching with Technology newsletter highlights emerging technologies in education, services provided at UF, and training opportunities. The Teaching by Design newsletter provides instructional design news and techniques for using technology in online and classroom education as well as information about the latest workshops.