There has been an ongoing debate amongst educators about the role of memory versus intelligence in fostering effective learning. It has long been held that learners are more successful in retaining new content if they consciously think about what’s being taught, as opposed to simply memorizing what they see on the slides or on a computer screen. The Learning Theory Of Cognitive Development: Principles And Applications In eLearning The learning theory of cognitive development plays a huge role in the case of the former approach—understanding by thinking. Because of its very nature, where time and distance often separate instructors and learners, the cognitive process plays an even more important role in eLearning. In this article, we’ll talk about Cognitivism and its application to eLearning design. Understanding The Learning Theory Of Cognitive Development The learning theory of cognitive development is a theory in psychology, advanced by Jean Piaget, a Swiss developmental … [Read more...] about The Learning Theory Of Cognitive Development In ELearning
eLearning
Low-Cost Gamification For Adult Learners
Gamification is the process of changing the dynamics of any activity by incorporating several game elements. This technique has gained popularity in various fields because of its effectiveness in increasing productivity, speed, and learning. The field of eLearning also tapped into the use of gamification to enhance the efficacy of eLearning courses and materials. However, not all companies have extra money to spend on gamification features, which can get very expensive. In this article, I will discuss some ways Instructional Designers can use low-cost gamification for their eLearning courses. 7 Tips On Low-Cost Gamification For Adult Learners Many people think that eLearning gamification means incorporating actual games in virtual courses. Although games do complete the gamification process, eLearning gamification isn’t limited to including actual games. In fact, gamification of any activity only needs to include the crucial game elements that actually target the skills discussed in … [Read more...] about Low-Cost Gamification For Adult Learners
Simulations And Games: How to Make ELearning Fun and Engaging
Regardless of our age, playing with simulators (e.g. stock market investment, driving or flight simulators) and games (Starcraft, Hearts of Iron, World of Warcraft) always puts us on the path to learning and experiencing new things. That is because if our objective is to “win” the game, then we need to explore and learn the “system” in order to beat it. That is exactly what Game-Based Learning (GBL) is all about. In this article, I will cover the types of game-based learning as well as the benefits of simulations and games. In addition, I will mention some of the tools that can be used to build eLearning games and simulations. Lastly, I will discuss how you can incorporate “gamification” into your eLearning content. Simulations And Games: Types Of Game-Based Learning Many different types of game-based learning have evolved over the years, each having a different audience and its own unique objective. Here are some alternate gaming styles to consider when designing game-based learning … [Read more...] about Simulations And Games: How to Make ELearning Fun and Engaging
Personalized eLearning: A Customized Approach To Accelerated eLearning
Today's world is far different than the one our parents and grandparents grew up and lived in. The age of "standardization" and "One-size-fits-all" no longer applies. Today, especially where technology is so ubiquitous in every aspect of our lives, "personalization" has become very important - be it in manufacturing, services or retail business. Personalization is needed to make a product or service more endearing to the target audience, and this is especially true for eLearning. As a result, the concept of Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) is becoming more relevant in today's academic world. What is Personalized ELearning? The concept of "Personalization" can easily be understood from taking a closer look at some of the existing digital technologies that all of us use. For instance, from the browser that you use to roam the Internet, to the email and messaging systems that you use to stay connected with friends and family, to the digital boxes you use to watch TV shows and movies … [Read more...] about Personalized eLearning: A Customized Approach To Accelerated eLearning
Can Experiential Learning Be Applied To eLearning?
Experiential learning is a process that allows learners to develop knowledge and skills from their own experience rather than from formal training courses. Experiential learning encompasses a variety of interactive and participative hands-on activities and is much more effective than traditional learning approaches. This article is the first in a series about Experiential Learning. Check it out and learn some of the critical elements of Experiential Learning and the reasons why Experiential Learning is important. What Is Experiential Learning? Way back in 350 BCE, a Greek philosopher, thinker, mathematician, astrologer, historian and analyst, wrote: "...for the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them." Even prior to that, the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, wrote: I hear and I forget I see and I remember I do, and I understand! Based on that, one might say that Confucius and Aristotle actually planted the seeds of Experiential … [Read more...] about Can Experiential Learning Be Applied To eLearning?
How to Tell If You Need to Start Looking for a New ELearning Authoring Tool
Many eLearning content developers have grown into their current state through evolution. You initially started by using stand-alone tools, such as Microsoft PowerPoint or other slide presentation tools to create your training courses. Then, you may have acquired other “add-on” tools and apps to enhance your authoring capabilities. At some point, the law of diminishing returns takes over: The more tools you add on, the less productive your team gets! Sadly though, sometimes it’s hard to notice that your existing eLearning authoring tools aren’t working for you. Signs that tell you that new tools are overdue You and your team have been using your existing eLearning authoring tools for several years now. Your team might feel very comfortable with the features and functionality they provide. And, because many of your authors and developers have become “experts” in using those tools, there might be a general feeling that there’s no need to change. And there lies the … [Read more...] about How to Tell If You Need to Start Looking for a New ELearning Authoring Tool