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Is a Picture Worth of Thousand Words?

by Instructional DesignLearning TheoriesNeurosciencePsychology

Effective Example Link:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/717si1BWeUL._SL1500_.jpg

Ineffective Example Link:
https://dryuc24b85zbr.cloudfront.net/tes/resources/11401360/image?width=500&height=500&version=1479719949989

“A picture is worth 1,000 words” is the same as saying “knowledge is power, where knowledge resources are unlimited” (Laureate Education, 2010d). Learners can only see traditional views unless development or self-directed learning seeks additional forms of literacy to make sense of the picture or knowledge (Laureate Education, 2010d). Understanding information is contingent on the learner’s internal motivation, learning direction, prior knowledge exposure, and recall of data to working memory (Laureate Education, 2010d & Mayer, 2014, p. 86). In conclusion, for a picture to be worth any words; or knowledge to be considered any valuable form of power, the learner must cognitively process the multimedia-instruction in working memory STE, store relevant bits in long-term memory LTE, and effectively communicate the new knowledge. 

The human information processing system or STE is limited in capacity by cognitive load storage (Laureate Education, 2010b). Effective use of graphics in instructional design can help reduce the cognitive load in STE by relating depicted imagery with relevant LTE, eliminating processing time. An example of the effective use of graphics in instructional design is illustrated in the Pool Rules sign.

Meaningful learning is the result of two multimedia instruction goals: remembering and understanding (Mayer, 2014, p. 21). The graphic showing the pool rules adhere to the integrated comprehension of text and picture theory ICTP. In the broader framework of human cognition, the graphic has semiotics to visualize the textual description (Mayer, 2014, p. 83). The symbol used in the graphic is the universal symbol consisting of a circle with a backslash through the middle. The use of red color for the vector recalls LTE relevant to sensory input: Green means go, yellow means slow down, and red means stop. What makes this symbol so effective is the ability to instantly trigger visual sensors relating new information as prior experience with the color directions of a traffic light. Active processing of LTE and new information in STE learners apply generalized prior knowledge as automatic metacognition, easing the strain on cognitive load (Laureate Education, 2010c) The icon inside of each “universal no sign” furthers comprehension of the specific line of text with a fast recognizable image through effective white space or spacial proximity. The typography is designed with a visual color system to form information hierarchy.

An example of weak use of graphics in an instructional setting is demonstrated in “how to brush your teeth.” The images do have relevance to the content in the photographic learning process. However, the spatial correlation is not directly connected to the subject text. The image’s meaning and purpose are to help further cognitive processing. However, the images do not require me to think further than what is being visually processed. In my opinion, in order for a graphic to have a practical instructional purpose is to use the “squint” test. Squinting your eyes helps blur the body copy, leaving you with the main points needed from that instructional piece. If the learner can not tell the subject matter of the information from vectorized text headings, combined with the images, there is a missing link in the design process. With the “how to brush your teeth” image, the main design flaw is information hierarchy represented in the textual description is not visible. Adjusting line spacing, size, and style of the existing text applying one graphic and one

 In my opinion, the graphics are purposeful by using multimedia learning theories. These design approaches generate meaningful learning through depictive learning. As an instructional designer, graphics should be purposefully used to stimulate visual imagery relevant to the textual description but allows further understanding through cognitive activity (Laureate Education, 2010e). The graphic’s size, color, and resolution provide guidelines, media outlets, and any complications to instructional designers. The use of rasterized, or vectorized graphics can display differently for computer-based screens, and printed material (Laureate Education, 2010b). Instructional designers need to understand the audience to determine if vectorized images can be used in replacing photographic pixel images without losing the validity of newly presented knowledge. 

Resources:

Laureate Education (Producer). (2010b). Introduction to graphics [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2010c). Multimedia learning theory [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2010d). Technology-centered vs. learner-centered instruction [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2010e). What is multimedia? [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Mayer, R. E. (2014). The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press

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commentary on “_isms as a Filter, not a blinker”

by Food for ThoughtLearning TheoriesNeurosciencePsychology

The ability to pinpoint how learning occurs is equally complex as the brain itself. We know how the brain receives stimulus through receptors, how the brain processes related sensory triggers in different parts of the lobes, and how transmission of signals increases as the response. While learning has shown no defined link between neuroscience, the brain’s ability to react on sensory response correlates with psychology, and how the mind interprets its environment. The theorist has illustrated many different _isms: constructivism, behaviorism, cognitivism, and a modern approach connectivism (Kerr, 2007). Each theory has beneficial contributions and limitations which help evolve the next theoretical practice. Offering solutions to another’s pitfalls will not always answer how the human brain processes information (Kapp, 2007).

In response, I agree with Kerr’s statement, “_isms are important but use them as a filter, not a blinker” (Kerr, 2007). Using one approach to facilitate learning would pose challenges when recalling information due to the limited relatable situational context needed to organize LTM effectively (Ormrod, Schunk, & Gredler, 2009). Down’s conceptualized the popular behaviorist stimulus and response approach in an analogy of a Los Vegas slot machine about Kerr’s explanation of _isms compared to a nuclear explosion disaster plan. Physically placing the coin into the slot, pulling down the handle, hearing the sounds, seeing the lights, and awareness of the environmental surroundings all play an essential factor in the appeal of the game leading players to try again. When presented with the opportunity to play a slot machine in a similar casino, the player will recall relevant situational knowledge from prior experiences and emotions, leading them to play again (Downs, 2017). Removing the flashing lights and fun sounds will not prevent spending money to play again; however, it removes sensory triggers leaving players with a less emotional connection with the game (Ormrod, Schunk, & Gredler, 2009). In Kerr’s analogy, a nuclear meltdown alert should have a list of procedures when combined with cognitivism that prevents us from being a machine (Kerr, 2007). If we used only situational influences around learning, we wouldn’t have a developed action plan because the stimuli have yet to be presented, just as a player wouldn’t typically sit at a slot machine only to feed it coins. Appling _isms as a filter would allow instructors to apply generalized concepts for information processing, and enable tailoring options to remove unimpactful methods.

Resources

Downes, S. (2017, January 1). Design: Behaviorism Has Its Place Commentary by Stephen Downes. Retrieved May 20, 2020, from https://www.downes.ca/cgi-bin/page.cgi?post=37333

Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and About: Discussion on Educational Schools of Thought « Karl Kapp. Retrieved May 20, 2020, from http://karlkapp.com/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/

Kerr, B. (2007, January 1). _isms as filter, not blinker. Retrieved May 20, 2020, from http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html

Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning Theories and Instruction (Laureate custom ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.

Designs that Unclog Working Memory

by Brain-Based EducationFood for ThoughtInformation DesignInstructional DesignLearning TheoriesNeurosciencePsychology

The Organ

The human brain has an unlimited capacity for evolving knowledge. In instructional design, learners must be the center of all stages of a specific module via research, development, design, or implementation. How humans understand and process information through brain-based behavior can help deliver knowledge in ways that learners can receive, process, and store information adequately for later retrieval. While there is no direct link between neuroscience and how the brain processes information, there is excellent scientific evidence that the link has yet to be discovered (Jensen, 2008). Therefore, as facilitators of learning, it is crucial to understand how the brain, as an organ, functions (neuroscience) concerning education.

Inside the Cortex is where information processed is categorized into somatosensory (Parental lobes), visual (Occipital lobes), complex auditory (Temporal lobes), and lastly, “human” activities ( frontal lobes) (Ormrod, Schunk, & Gredler, 2009). After the Cortex’s lobes receive the information, knowledge remains in working memory until it is organized and stored for another similar stimulus. In summary, all knowledge is processed through the brain. How the brain uses perception, and relatability to organize and retrieve information can be classified as cognitive psychology backed by neuroscience. There is no direct relation between the two; however, one can’t exist without the other.

Information Overload

As outlined, the Cortex inside the brain is responsible for triggering responses to presented by stimuli, which can be presented in various fashions to the sensory receptors. Instructional designers can use neuroscience and how the brain interprets information through the effective use of sensory. Designing training plans should not over stimulate the sensory receptors in the CNS. Overwhelming the brain with the stimulus is no different than overworking your liver by consuming alcohol. Knowledge can be received and used while given a specific task, but with the more stimulus responses triggered, the less is committed organized long term memory. 

Cerbin defines working memory as the mental space where we do conscious, progressive thinking; however, that space has limited capacity (Cerbin, n.d.). This temporary storage allows cognitive information processing to manipulate storage later (Gutierrez, 2014). Think of working memory as a bucket; when full, the information is tossed or spilled. Even though the plastic material the bucket, made of is thin plastic, the design indentations of the bucket still lower the storage capacity. The working memory, “bucket,” uses part of the storage with tasks processed in an automatic method. When working memory is full, and the learner is challenged with many things to organize, overload sets in often resulting in a disengaged learner, but more importantly, the inability to recall responses.

Karla Gutierrez, SH!FT Disruptive eLearning contributor outlines how to design eLearning using working memory strategies, activities, and resources that will enhance cognitive processing skills using brain-function while not overstimulating. Working memory strategies help achieve a schema, receiving parts of the objective in smaller pieces (Ormrod, Schunk, & Gredler, 2009). To manage the information at each level of the pedagogy, activities, and resources help learners store information in an organization to easily retrieve under relatable circumstances. 

Conclusion 

All learning starts with the neuroscience of the brain. These discoveries have helped us understand how the brain receives processes and stores information. Where the brain stores, the data is contengient on the amount of working memory in use. To ensure learning is as simplistic for learners to process, instructional designers can use SH!FT’s suggested working memory strategies, activities, and resources. 

Resources

Cerbin, B. (n.d.). Working Memory as a Bottleneck in Learning – Exploring How Students Learn. Retrieved May 19, 2020, from https://sites.google.com/a/uwlax.edu/exploring-how-students-learn/working-memory-as-a-bottleneck-in-learning

Gutierrez, K. (2014, July 22). Designing eLearning to Maximize the Working Memory. Retrieved May 19, 2020, from https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/bid/351491/Designing-eLearning-to-Maximize-the-Working-Memory

Jensen, Eric P. (2008). A Fresh Look at Brain-Based Education. Phi Delta Kappan, 89(6), 408–410. Retrieved from https://www.teachers.net/gazette/OCT08/jensen/

Ormrod, J., Schunk, D., & Gredler, M. (2009). Learning theories and instruction (Laureate custom edition). New York, NY: Pearson.