Module 1 - Section 2
How People Learn
Designing effective learning requires a good understanding of the underpinning pedagogy ... This includes the right balance of activities, appropriate use of multimedia, and effective assessment techniques.
Introduction
Designing effective learning requires a good understanding of the
underpinning pedagogy. By understanding how people learn we are
better equipped to select appropriate design strategies to best
achieve our learning outcomes. This includes the right balance of
activities, appropriate use of multimedia, and effective assessment
techniques.
The process of designing digital learning is often referred to as
instructional design, and sometimes e-learning design.
In this section, we will explore theories and science of how people
learn, including: neuromyths and neurofacts, learning theories, and,
specifically the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. You will
be introduced to social learning theories and connectivism.
By the end of this section you should be aware of the prevalence of
neuromyths and the need to critically evaluate theories. You will be
able to describe behaviourism and cognitivism, and, specifically,
the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, including how to reduce
cognitive load to improve learning. You will be aware of the
importance of learning with others.
NEUROMYTHS AND NEUROFACTS
So, are you a left-brainer or a right brainer; an activist, or a theorist; a visual learner, or a kinaesthetic learner?
Listen to Paul Howard Jones, reader in Neuroscience and Education at Bristol University, tell Claudia Hammond why it’s all irrelevant.
Listen to this by pressing play below
Are you surprised? Why do you think neuromyths are so prevalent? How can you separate neuromyths from neurofacts?
Neurofacts
DR. JOHN J. MEDINA is a developmental molecular biologist focused on the genes involved in human brain development and the genetics of psychiatric disorders. His “Brain Rules” are based on what scientists know about how our brains work. These neurofacts are based on research from peer-reviewed journals, which has been successfully replicated.
Activity 1
Blog
We’d like you toRead through the Brain Rules (summary - here) and choose three you believe are important considerations in Digital Learning Design. When you’ve decided, write a post about your choices and give a rationale for your choices. You should share your findings with your peers via a blog post.