EDT 500 Reading Responses
8/30/11
I found this article to make some very interesting points. I would agree with the author that learning is a dual process and that inside beliefs must be brought out before something new can be brought in. Prior knowledge is an important component in learning and understanding. Social interactions are also key to helping the learner construct new meaning to experiences. I would also agree that learning is least useful when it is private or hidden.
The article discusses three pathologies of learning. The first being amnesia or malfunction of memory. This is when the learner forgets what is learned in class. I would say this particular pathology is the most relatable for me. Many times I have sat through a lecture and left feeling like "what just happened?". It is hard to remember the details of the lecture and what was said. In some graduate courses I have taken here at CCSU, the lectures have been recorded and posted to moodle website. This technology component allows the learner to go back and revisit the lesson through audio to enhance and review learning.
The second pathology discussed is Fantasia. This is when a misunderstanding of the learning occurs. I related to the example given in the article. Often times we feel confident in our knowledge of basic things, but often there are misunderstandings that are reinforced over time and often not corrected.
The third pathology addressed is called Inertia. This is when ideas or forgotten because there is no meaningful purpose for them. A personal connection I have to this is from my art history course taken my freshman year of college. We were given over one hundred paintings to memorize the names and painters. I spent countless hours with flashcards and pictures and did fairly well on the exam. However, by the next week I had forgotten the majority of it. I could not apply this knowledge to my real life and it had no purpose for being put to memory. I often wondered why the paintings were not discussed. Why didn't we talk about what we liked or how we felt about them? That kind of discussion might have led to a better understanding of art and painters.
Media Design
-Benefits – Gaining attention of audience through storytelling allows instruction to be relatable. Sustaining attention revolves around relating to emotions within the story. Stories create a framework for connecting events and concepts while providing a mental image of concepts.
Chunking – There is a capacity for processing information. Information should be broken down into smaller chunks to allow long-term memory. Example: how we read phone numbers, social security numbers, etc.
Coherence - Learner retention improved by reducing the amount of non-related information and cues in multimedia design. Should be precise and to the point with little to no distractions. Simplicity is key. Avoid too much text, poor visuals, overuse of transitions and poor font choices in presentations.
Typography – Artistry of printed text. Often conveys a mood and has direct impact on message. There are SO many to choose from. Should be easily read and distinguished.